England players rally round Green

RUSTENBURG: England’s big names have rallied around under-fire Robert Green but captain Steven Gerrard admitted the goal-keeper’s error against the US has made life tougher for Fabio Capello’s squad at the World Cup.

A 1-1 draw with the US means England could win their two remaining matches and still not top Group C and another setback against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday could set the scene for a humiliating early exit from the tournament.

“I wouldn’t say it creates a lot of extra pressure,” said Gerrard. “It would’ve been nice to start with three points but we conceded a goal at a bad time after going ahead. We went into the match very confident we could take three points and hoping to take three points. I thought we deserved to shade it but we’ll take a point and move on.”

Gerrard, however, expressed his sympathy for Green.

“It was a bad moment for him but he owned up to the mistake in the dressing room. That goes to show what kind of man he is. He made a fantastic save in the second half and he has the character to bounce back.”

It was reported last week that England’s senior players wanted the more experienced David James to start in goal for the opening match on the grounds that he is a more confident communicator with the back four than either Green or Joe Hart.

But Frank Lampard said Green had the backing of his team-mates.

“No-one will be pointing the finger. We win, lose or draw as a team. We can still win the next two games and we will be doing our best to do that.”

The theme was echoed by John Terry. “Every player on that pitch has made mistakes,” the centre-back said. “It’s a team game and the team will get behind him.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 14th, 2010.