Robert Green wrote his name into a long list of blundering England goalkeepers when he let a routine shot from USAs Clint Dempsey slip through. From David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup and Scott Carson in a Euro 2008 qualifier to several gaffes by David Calamity James,England have a reputation for producing poor goalkeepers. Green was well positioned as he went down to stop the ball,but it slipped off his gloves and rolled into the net to make it 1-1. Green said the fumble wouldnt wreck his confidence. It was a mistake. The important thing is not to let it affect you for however long is left in the game, he was quoted as saying. That is what you prepare for mentally. You dont prepare mentally for making great saves and playing the perfect game. You prepare for trauma. England supporters have long become used to epic errors from their goalkeepers. Seaman allowed a speculative long-range free kick from Ronaldinho to float over his head for Brazils winning goal in a 2-1 victory at the 2002 World Cup. James let a long-range drive by Austrias Andreas Ivanschitz squirm under his body for the equaliser in a 2-2 draw in World Cup qualifying in 2004 after his team had led 2-0. James habit of wildly racing out of his area has also previously been a common sight. Robinson went to deal with a routine backpass from teammate Gary Neville in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia,but the ball hit a divot to bounce over his foot and into the net. While Carson should have dealt comfortably with Niko Kranjcars shot at Wembley in another Euro 2008 qualifier. But the ball bounced past him in a 3-2 loss at home that virtually ended Englands qualifying chances.
