3 September 2005
TheFA.com Interview: Paul Robinson

In an exclusive interview with TheFA.com, the England number one talks about his excellent save in Cardiff.


Paul Robinson admitted he was doubly pleased with his wonder save against Wales given the relatively quiet game he had otherwise.

The England goalkeeper was hardly tested at the Millennium Stadium apart from the brilliant diving effort he produced to keep out John Hartson’s 38th minute header.

It was a vital save with the game evenly poised at 0-0 at that stage and the Spurs star was delighted he had been able to stay alert and play his part in the eventual 1-0 victory.

"I was very pleased that I did my bit when it was needed," he said.

"It’s true that I didn’t have too much to do during the whole game but at international level a big part is concentration and you have to be ready at any time.

"I was probably only needed once in the match but I am happy I was able to respond.

"To be honest that’s what I am there for because that is my job but I would like to think I have strengthened my position as England’s number one."

Robinson was perhaps the best placed England player to assess the new 4-5-1 formation which was adopted against Wales as he stood back and watched from afar.

And he felt the system was a success as the Three Lions took another big step toward qualification for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.

"It was a good all-round performance and I think we adapted quite well to the new formation," he added.

"We always expected a tough game here and as it got closer to the ninety minutes with only a one goal lead that’s exactly what happened. But we dug in and got the result.

"We can take a lot of positives from this and hopefully we can now do the same in the next game against Northern Ireland on Wednesday."