Robinson must show mettle, says McClaren

ENGLAND coach Steve McClaren has challenged Paul Robinson to be “tough enough” to withstand the criticism that has accompanied his miserable Wembley howler.

Robinson’s position as England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper is under severe threat following the blunder which gifted Germany their equaliser on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old has retained McClaren’s confidence throughout a spell of poor form which was triggered by a mishap against Croatia last October when an unfortunate bobble meant he aimed a fresh air shot at a Gary Neville back-pass which rolled past him into the net.

Robinson’s below-par performances have continued this term, with Sky TV pundit Andy Gray singling the Tottenham man out for criticism after he was beaten by a long-range Alan Stubbs free-kick in the home defeat to Everton a week ago.

The former Leeds star must bounce back from another major misjudgement when, instead of taking the easy option of palming Bernd Schneider’s cross over his own bar, he pushed it back out into play — straight into the path of Kevin Kuranyi, who promptly tapped home from six yards.

At a time when England were ahead, and in control, the incident changed the course of the game — with German coach Joachim Loew pinpointing the equaliser as the moment which launched the visitors towards their eventual 2-1 win.

McClaren has refused to condemn Robinson. But the coach knows the reaction his goalkeeper is likely to face — and how he expects the Beverley-born star to respond.

“Individual players have to be tough enough to take the rough with the smooth,” he said. “When you get criticism — which, no doubt, he will get — you have to take it and show your reaction on the park.”

The inescapable truth for McClaren as he formulates his strategy for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel on September 8 is that while he can excuse Robinson a game-changing blunder in a friendly, a repeat in the five-game battle for qualification over the next two months could prove disastrous.

That goes not just for England’s hopes of reaching Austria and Switzerland next summer, but for the coach’s own job prospects as well.

Although it would be easy to look at the scoreline and condemn England, John Terry, David Beckham and Michael Owen all got valuable match practice under their belts; Joe Cole was dangerous, and Shaun Wright-Phillips’ late cameo suggested he will be a major threat against tiring defences.

The anticipated return of Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves next month will strengthen England’s midfield immeasurably. It could also provide an answer to McClaren’s striking conundrum.

With Wayne Rooney injured and Peter Crouch suspended, it is being suggested McClaren will stick with Alan Smith as Owen’s forward partner against Israel.

Yet, game as Smith is, he lacks quality at the highest level — and his record of one goal in 18 England appearances is hardly going to strike fear into any decent defence.