English football fans across the world would have had their heads in their hands as the ball slipped from Robert Green’s grasp on Saturday night, but West Ham supporters would have been feeling particularly miserable.
It always gives fans an added sense of pride when one of their club players turns out for the national side, so when they slip up it’s felt a little more keenly, especially when it happens at the Football World Cup.

Not that West Ham fans would have been trying to make excuses for their man. Indeed, Green himself refused to duck the issue, accepting the blame and opting not to hide behind PR men and press secretaries – something he could easily have done.

This attitude, and the way he has responded in training, seems to have impressed manager Fabio Capello and, if the mutterings in the press are to be believed, Green now looks set to retain his first team place.

A report in the Daily Telegraph said: “The England players have been impressed by Green’s resilience in the last two days – he was part of training again yesterday – and it would seem that he is under consideration again for Friday’s match. The Capello camp themselves regard the mistake against the US as a one-off.”

It’s a decision that’s likely to attract criticism from some quarters. They will argue that after making such an error, no keeper should be given a second chance.

However, that approach seems short sighted and ignores the fact that even after his blunder in the USA match Green showed he has what it takes to cut it at the highest level.

Add to that the fact David James still seems to be struggling for fitness and the worries about Joe Hart’s ability to cope with the pressure of a World Cup and it becomes clear there’s only one real choice for the goalkeeping spot. The World Cup odds suggest Green will start, and for me that’s the right decision.

If England show faith in Green, then I’m certain he’ll repay it.