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Banks backs Foster for England number one

24/07/2008

England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks believes Manchester United stopper Ben Foster is the best candidate for the England number one jersey.

Speaking exclusively to inthenews.co.uk at the launch of the new Football Pools, Banks said Foster should be Fabio Capello's preferred choice in goal for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign - as long he is getting regular first-team football in the top flight.

"When he's played for England, Ben Foster, he's played well and looked very composed," Banks said.

"He's going to be the one that [Capello] might be looking towards shoving in and giving him the experience, provided he's a regular in one of the Premier League sides."

The former England custodian also talked up the possibility of Wigan Athletic starter Chris Kirkland competing for the national team jersey, saying he had "a good season" in 2007/08.

And he said either man would be preferable to incumbent starter David James, who turns 38 next week, because of the Portsmouth player's age.

"If these two guys are on form and playing regularly then they should be in the England team ahead of James," he continued.

"At the moment you have to play David James because of his experience.

"But the problem with David is that you never know whether he's likely to make that odd mistake, which he does. You wouldn't want him to cost you a game by doing that."

Banks continued: "Experience counts for a lot, knowing where to be and what to do in certain situations.

"But I look at David and sometimes I think he's a bit lacking - he's a little bit dodgy at times. He's got to be more decisive about things."

Whoever Capello selects in goal, Banks believes it will be important for the England manager to give the younger shot-stoppers the opportunity to experience international football before a big tournament.

The 1966 World Cup winner said he is a great believer in giving players – particularly goalkeepers – time to adjust to the international game.

"You need eight or ten internationals appearances under your belt to settle down and give you that experience of playing for your country in front of big crowds and in big stadiums," Banks explained.

"For the next World Cup, I would think David James will be too old.

"But these two other younger guys, given the experience they've already got, they'll be just right when 2010 comes around."