As England's players rallied around Robert Green, Fabio Capello was contemplating whether to drop the goalkeeper who cost them a win against the United States in their World Cup opener.
Green fumbled Clint Dempsey's low 25-meter (yard) shot into the goal, leaving England with one point heading into Friday's second Group C match against Algeria. "We have time to decide and to speak with (Green) and I will decide," Capello said.
England's first rest day since arriving in South Africa turned out to be a day for agonizing, but Green said the blunder wouldn't affect him psychologically. "I'm 30, I'm a man, and you have hardships in life and prepare for them," Green said on Saturday night. "I'm strong enough to move on. At a younger point in my life it would have affected me more."
David James, the squad's veteran goalkeeper who has been struggling with knee problems since arriving in South Africa, supported Green. "Mistakes happen in goalkeeping, and Rob Green made a great save (from Jozy Altidore) in the second half to keep us at 1-1," the 39-year-old James said. "A mistake like that should stay with you for just two minutes."
Midfielder Frank Lampard also stood up for Green, saying "no one will be pointing the finger" at Green. "It is unfortunate for keepers," Lampard said. "They are the last line and, when they make a bit of a (mistake), it gets picked out." Green will now have to wait for Capello to make his decision on a starter for Friday's match against Algeria.
{{/usCountry}}Midfielder Frank Lampard also stood up for Green, saying "no one will be pointing the finger" at Green. "It is unfortunate for keepers," Lampard said. "They are the last line and, when they make a bit of a (mistake), it gets picked out." Green will now have to wait for Capello to make his decision on a starter for Friday's match against Algeria.
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