Paul Robinson Returns To The England Fold

The Three Lions travel to Berlin for a friendly on Wednesday night and will count Paul Robinson among their number for the first time in over a year.

The former Tottenham Hotspur custodian's strong Premier League form for Blackburn Rovers has finally seen him win favour with Fabio Capello, who called the player into the panel late last night.

Robinson's spot in the squad had originally gone to Joe Hart of Manchester City, but an ankle injury suffered against Hull City yesterday has put paid to Hart's international aspirations for now.

The Citizens' stopper is expected to miss the next four weeks of action at least.

Now Robinson, who last featured for England during the 2-1 defeat to Russia in October last year, has a chance to prove his credentials.

The call-up represents a vindication for Rovers' manager Paul Ince, who insists that he has the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at his disposal.

He told the press: "Paul is a commanding figure for us and he's definitely recaptured the form that won him a place in the England side.

"He has been outstanding since I brought him to Blackburn.

"He really has got his head focused on regaining that spot in the England side and I would like to think that he would start the game over in Germany next Wednesday because his performances have certainly merited that," Ince said.

"I feel he is still the best goalkeeper in the Premier League."

Robinson will join David James and Scott Carson in the England squad, with West Ham United's Robert Green overlooked again.

Peter Staunton