Wilson: Green mistake against the USA is unforgivable
Written by Jonathan Chong on Sunday, June 13, 2010
Former Arsenal goalkeeping coach has said that West Ham keeper Robert Green's howler against the USA in England's opening World Cup game was 'unforgivable'.
England were leading 1-0 courtesy of a Steven Gerrard goal, but let the USA back into the match when the ball bounced from Green's hands backwards into the net.
Green has regularly been linked with a move to Arsenal, which is a bit of a surprise seeing as he was rated as the fourth worst keeper in the Premier League last season, and we're looking to improve on our goalkeeping situation.
Wilson, who is regarded as one of the country's goalkeeping greats, coached former England and Arsenal number David Seaman for a number of years.
He also coached Jens Lehmann before moving on to focus on his charity The Willow Foundation. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday, Wilson said: "No, there is no excuse, absolutely none [for Green's mistake].
"I'd love to join the goalkeepers' union and find an excuse - an awful pitch or the ball - but there was nothing. I've never seen anything quite like it.
"My only question would be how late was the choice that Capello made for his goalkeepers? Because, in my view, any goalkeeper needs a minimum of 24 hours.
"Ideally, I think he needs several days because we goalkeepers live and thrive on the confidence and belief that comes from knowing that you are the number one through your performances, and that the team wants you.
"It doesn't guarantee that you won't make a mistake, but clearly England do not have a Peter Shilton, a Gordon Banks, a David Seaman."
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