England's Growing Trend of Talented Young Goalkeepers

In the 2010 World Cup, the then England goalkeeper Robert Green made an awful mistake to gift the USA an equaliser in the opening group game. At the time there was a mini crisis in the goalkeeping department. However, England fans had no need to worry because there was a growing trend of young England goalkeepers. There will certainly be no need for concern at the 2014 World Cup, when England will likely have a feast of talented keepers to choose from.

David James is the current number 1 goalkeeper, but there is no chance of him still playing at the next World Cup and little chance of him still playing for the 2012 European Championships. Therefore, England will be looking for a new first choice. Robert Green would be considered the favourite by many, but will he get another chance after his error against the USA?

Ben Foster may fancy his chances of moving into the England setup. Foster became one of Birmingham's early summer signings, when he joined from Manchester United for a fee of around £3 million. If he can play well in the Premier League, then England honours may well beckon. Foster has the added advantage of being old enough. At 27, Foster will seem to be experienced.

Joe Hart is another obvious choice. He was one of the three goalkeepers taken to South Africa. A place he fully deserved, after a fine season on-loan at Birmingham. The biggest problem with Hart is he faces an uncertain future. Back at Manchester City and set to play second fiddle to Shay Given. Also a return to Birmingham looks unlikely following their signing of Foster.

29 year old Chris Kirkland is a keeper admired by many. He does play games in the Premier League for Wigan. However, the big problem he has is he is injured on a fairly consistent basis. If he can put his injuries behind him, he will be an option for England. And like Foster he is of an age that people won't throw the inexperienced card at him.

Scott Carson is now a Premier League goalkeeper following the promotion of West Brom. The concern I would have is the possibility of a more experienced goalkeeper being signed by West Brom. Carson does have an opportunity if he can play regularly. He has also previously played for England, but has an England blunder by his name.

They to me are the obvious choices to play in goal for England. However, there are a few others worth a mention. Fraser Forster of Newcastle United has huge ability, but he will have to prove himself in the Premier League first. Also people such as Harry Rednapp has outlined Norwich City duo Declan Rudd and Jed Steer as ones to watch for the future. Joe Lewis may also be worth mention, but the fact he struggled in the Championship is a concern. The best man for the job appears to be Joe Hart, but he must play regularly games for either Manchester City or another Premier League team to be considered.

Sources:

www.bbc.co.uk/sport

www.bcfc.com

www.wiganlatics.co.uk

www.wba.co.uk