Paul Robinson has admitted he was pleased to turn in two assured performances for England.
Goalkeeper relieved after improved displays
Paul Robinson has admitted he was pleased to turn in two assured performances for England.
Robinson's position in the team had been in doubt prior to the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia, following some unconvincing displays in recent months.
But he got the nod ahead of David James and repaid the faith shown in him by Steve McClaren by keeping two clean sheets.
The Tottenham goalkeeper said: "I feel a lot better than I did talking to people after the game (with Germany) two or three weeks ago but, as quickly as it turns one way, it can turn the other way.
"I take nothing for granted. I will keep fully concentrating and working hard at my game and hopefully keep getting some clean sheets.
"It was nice to be tested and make a couple of saves against Russia after not having much to do on Saturday. That's nine games played, eight clean sheets and the only goals conceded were in Croatia so I am really pleased.
"A week is a long time in football. To be stood here with two clean sheets under my belt means I'm really pleased."
Challenge
Robinson concedes that England still have a lot to do to qualify for Euro 2008, but feels the upcoming games will provide good preparation for an assault on a major tournament.
"Are England nearly there? No, we can't take anything for granted. We've got difficult games coming up," he said.
"Before this week we got together and set the plan out of having a run of five games we need to win.
"It is a good challenge and, if we are going to win a major championship, we need to do something similar like winning five games on the bounce."
"Results and performances are what we get judged on and we can take both of those from the two games. If you take into consideration the players we had missing as well, the team has done exceptionally well.
Robinson added: "The manager has been excellent and very strong. He has got his ideas and give him credit, he has picked a winning team and has also picked a team that has played well against tough opposition."
