Under-fire keeper Green takes to golf course

England goalkeeper Robert Green took to the golf green today following his blunder against the USA.

The 30-year-old looked to be in good spirits, laughing and joking with some of his team mates.

Green has been heavily criticised for his goal-keeping fumble which saw the USA draw level at 1-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

England fans let out a collective groan as he spilled a speculative 25-yard shot from Clinton Dempsey and allowed the ball to cross the line.

His round of 18 holes today will tee off a fresh round of jokes about the USA getting the “rub of the Green” and there being a “hole in one”.

But the West Ham stopper looked relaxed on the course and will try not to let the mistake get to him.

He said: “I know I’m going to get flak for it but so be it. Playing football when you are playing well is easy.

“It is about the tough times and how you deal with them. That is what you prepare for mentally. You don’t prepare mentally for making great saves, playing the perfect game. You prepare for trauma.”

He continued: “I’m strong enough to take it, strong enough to move on, and will do, and be ready for the next game if selected.”

Green already looked to be banishing thoughts of his error to the long grass.

He was all smiles as he joined other players including Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch at the Lost City Golf Course in Sun City.