Capello cool over ‘keeper conundrum

England coach Fabio Capello remains unconcerned about his potential World Cup goalkeeping conundrum.

Fans and pundits have voiced their concerns over the lack of a world-class goalkeeper in the England ranks ahead of this summer’s finals in South Africa.David James has been Capello’s regular number one goalkeeper but his injury problems and up-and-down form have raised concerns over his inclusion in the squad. The veteran stopper has missed part of the season at Portsmouth with a shoulder problem and he was far from his confident best in Pompey’s 5-0 mauling at the hands of Manchester United this weekend.

However, Capello does not foresee a problem ahead of the tournament.

“I am not concerned yet with the goalkeeping situation,” said Capello.

“David James has some shoulder problems but I have Robert Green, Joe Hart and Paul Robinson.

“Hart is having a fantastic season but it is too early to choose.”

Birmingham ‘keeper Hart has been in superb form this term and the 22-year-old is certainly in the running to make the travelling party. The on-loan Manchester City star has benefitted greatly from first-team football with Alex McLeish’s side, who have been the season’s surprise package.

One man who looks unlikely to make it to South Africa is Manchester United ‘keeper Ben Foster. The 26-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first choice early in the season, but Edwin van Der Sar’s return from injury has seen the former Stoke man shunted down the pecking order and with no real prospects of first-team football a place in Capello’s 23-man party is unlikely.

England’s World Cup odds place them among the favourites for this year’s tournament, but they will struggle to make an impact without a decent goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, in horse racing news last year’s winner Mon Mome heads the list of entries for the Grand National 2010.