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World Cup 2010: England goalkeeper David James defends Robert Green after USA blunder
Experienced shot stopper speaks up for team-mate...
By Chris Myson
England had led thanks to an early goal from Steven Gerrard, but Green’s howler, where he let a tame Clint Dempsey effort squirm through his grasp shortly before half-time, allowed the Americans to secure a point.
Green beat James and Joe Hart to the starting XI after months of debate about who should be England’s No.1 in South Africa, but the 39-year-old was right behind the former Norwich City shot stopper after the match.
“Mistakes happen in goalkeeping, and Rob Green made a great save in the second half to keep us at 1-1,” said James. “A mistake like that should stay with you for just two minutes.
“It is all about mental strength and as I said, he has made a great save in the second half.
"We haven't lost and there are a lot of positives to take out of the game.”
The Three Lions and Green will have to get over tonight’s blunder swiftly with them now facing a must-win game against Algeria in their next match on Friday.
England had 16 shots throughout the match and defender Glen Johnson was pleased with the performance, but admits they should have taken their chances.
Johnson said: "We didn't win the game so are disappointed, but we feel we had quite a good performance so we look forward to the next match.
"Mr Capello said he was happy with the performance but felt we were unlucky not to win the game.
"I think we created enough chances to win the game, but that's football - you win some and you lose some."
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"But, we came through. Obviously there were a lot of changes so it's good to get the result.
"Belgium are a very, very strong side who are going to be really good in the future. Vincent [Kompany] told me about them and said that they were coming good and I totally agree with him."
"[Gary] Cahill I suppose is slightly more of a concern for me because it is a jaw injury. We're desperately hoping the CT scan doesn't show any fracture and it's just going to be a bruising situation, which will be bad enough, but won't stop him taking part in the tournament. As far as John's [Terry] concerned he felt his hamstring a little bit. Again it wasn't a major thing when he came off but we still need to scan it just to be 100 per cent sure."
Suffice to say, if Cahill has broken his jaw, he won't play any part in the tournament.
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