Green must play waiting game

ROBERT GREEN could be the most scrutinised player at the appropriately-named Green Point Stadium when England face Algeria at the World Cup today, but he will have to survive an intense one-on-one interview with manager Fabio Capello to clinch his place in the starting line-up.

Capello, whose tactic of refusing to tell his players if they are in the team until two hours before kick-off has drawn criticism during this tournament, will take his policy to new levels ahead of a crucially important match in Group C.

Goalkeeper Green has been left on tenterhooks ever since a comical and disastrous handling error gifted United States midfielder Clint Dempsey an equalising goal during a 1-1 draw in England’s opening match in South Africa. But his agony is set to last at least a little longer with David James and Joe Hart still on standby.

Capello revealed in a BBC interview on Wednesday night that he will have a heart-to-heart with the West Ham goalkeeper to ascertain his state of mind before making a final decision, but surprised reporters yesterday by revealing the meeting had not yet taken place.

“No, no. I will speak to him on the day of the game, not the night before.

“This is the way I do it. Should I change it? I prefer no change. Why is it harmful? All the players are focused and ready to play.

“I started telling the first XI that they were playing the day before the game in my first season at AC Milan. I did it for one year. I spoke with the players who were going to be playing, but after doing it for one year, I decided I would not be doing it again.”

Should Capello, who celebrates his 64th birthday today, choose to continue with Green it is a decision that could make or break England’s World Cup hopes, because any repeat of his calamitous mistake could be disastrous not only to his own career, but also to his country’s progress in the tournament.

It is a remarkable situation for a goalkeeper to find himself in but all the signs are that Capello is reluctant to make too many changes to his side despite media criticism of England’s opening performance.

That means continuing with Jamie Carragher as a replacement for injured Ledley King and persevering with shot-shy Emile Heskey as Wayne Rooney’s partner in a two-pronged attack. Indeed the only likely change is the return of fit-again Gareth Barry in a holding midfield role, freeing up captain Steven Gerrard to replace James Milner on the left.

“I should imagine I will be playing in a more attacking role and that suits me, I’m looking forward to it,” said Gerrard. “It’s great to have Gareth back fit and available, he’s a terrific passer and calm in possession. Hopefully he’ll give us that protection the two centre-halves need. He’s been fantastic over a couple of years and I’m really pleased to have him back, he certainly strengthens the side.”

Gerrard was struck by a poignant sign at the Green Point Stadium where England trained last night that read ‘go strong or go home’ and it’s an ethos he isn’t shy to adopt.

“I think that’s the message,” he said. “As the manager says we’re pleased with the majority of the first performance. There’s a lot of pressure and tension in the opening game and hopefully in the second we will be more fluid. Our preparation has gone well and we hope to go strong and get a good convincing win to go to four points.’’

Gerrard’s self-confidence is infectious but all eyes will be on who appears between the sticks for England in Cape Town rather than on the form of their attacking players.

So much could depend on interview nerves.