AFTER being dropped to the bench by his club following a string of questionable performances, Joe Hart’s position as England’s number one could also be in jeopardy. But if the Manchester City goalie was to be dropped, who would take his place?
5. Alex McCarthy
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion on this shortlist, the Reading goalkeeper is yet to appear in an England shirt at senior level. However, during the close of last season McCarthy produced some outstanding performances and has been solid so far this campaign, with Reading currently lying fifth in the Championship. Although the 23 year old continues to improve, a consistent run in the top flight is probably necessary for McCarthy to stake a serious claim.
4. Jack Butland
At only 20 years old, Jack Butland is certainly a goalkeeper for the future. He has been on the international scene from an early age, representing England at all age-group levels, as well as being Great Britain’s first choice keeper at the 2012 London Olympics. Another player who desperately needs Premier League experience to solidify a claim; some might say that the Stoke goalie has taken a step back by going on loan to Championship relegation candidates Barnsley.
3. Rob Green
The 2010 South Africa World Cup, England vs USA. Clint Dempsey drives a left footed shot from outside the area. It looks like an easy save for England goalkeeper Robert Green, but somehow the ball inexplicably squirms out of his gloves and dribbles over the line. Some claim this goalkeeping howler is the reason England were eliminated from the competition so early, with a win against the USA guaranteeing a top spot in the group and a second round tie against Ghana instead of Germany. Rob Green has only made one appearance for his country since that fateful day, but is his current form in the Championship could help in his push for an England call-up. QPR have the best defensive record in the league and Rob Green’s impressive nine clean sheets has even condemned Brazilian number one Júlio César to the reserves.
2. John Ruddy
Widely regarded as England’s number two goalkeeper, the 27-year-old will not have helped his claim to the number one shirt over the weekend with a calamitous on Saturday, conceding seven goals against Manchester City. However Ruddy is clearly a talented goalie, having been voted Norwich’s 2012/13 Player’s Player of the Season. With Hart’s diminished form, Ruddy will continue to be a viable candidate.
1. Fraser Forster
All eyes were on Celtic’s Fraser Forster this weekend after Joe Hart was dropped by Manchester City. Although the 25-year-old has been a regular in Roy Hodgson’s England squad, he is yet to make an appearance, perhaps compounded by him playing his football outside of the EPL. However it is rumoured that Forster is due to start in the friendly against Chile on November 15. A good performance could well see him keep Hart out of the England starting line-up for good. Incidentally, one of the scouts spotted during Celtic’s recent win over Ajax was from Manchester City, indicating Forster could well be replacing Hart at both club and international level.
Alex Clarke
Final Whistle 