Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom expects England number one Paul Robinson to defy his critics and regain his best form.
Estonia goalkeeper backing England number one
Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom expects England number one Paul Robinson to defy his critics and regain his best form.
Robinson has come under fire recently following a number of errors for both England and Tottenham.
But he looks set to keep his place for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on Saturday and Poom believes he is the right man for the job.
He explained: "I know what he's going through but the pressure comes with the territory and obviously if you make a mistake as a goalkeeper you know you are going to be criticised, especially if you play for such a big country as England.
"But Paul is a very good goalkeeper and if you look at his record in qualifiers, it is fantastic.
"I am glad that what I read that his club manager Martin Jol and the England manager Steve McClaren has supported him and they stick with him.
"It's important for a goalkeeper that the managers' have confidence in him and trust him - but yes, you know it's a special position and I'm sure he's mentally strong and he will come through this."
Strong competition
Poom accepts there are several other goalkeepers McClaren could turn to, but feels Robinson has the quality to remain as first-choice for many years to come.
"Paul has the shirt at the moment and he will do anything to keep it," said the Watford man.
"The competition is fairly strong - David James is excellent and obviously they have got younger ones pushing him.
"Ben Foster is injured at the moment - he had two fantastic years here at Watford. Then there is Scott Carson, Robert Green, Chris Kirkland.
"I know there is talk that there is not enough English goalkeepers, but I think there are some good English goalkeepers still."
