27 February 2006
Paul Robinson press conference

Paul Robinson talks to the press at the launch of England's new away kit ahead of the Uruguay friendly.

England's Paul Robinson believes he can prove in Germany 2006 that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Three Lions Number One doesn’t like to blow his own trumpet or shout his achievements from the rooftops. But he has become his country’s first choice goalkeeper through hard work and dedication and he believes it will pay off in the World Cup this summer.

He said: "I’m not the type of person who sits around looking in the mirror thinking I’m one of the best. But when I go out on a football pitch I like to show people I can do the job well.

"So do I think England have one of the best goalkeepers in the world? Yes, without a doubt. And hopefully come the World Cup I’ll give everyone a chance to see that."

In fact Robinson, who has been first choice for the Three Lions for almost two years now, believes he has an amazing chance to be the first English goalkeeper since Gordon Banks to lift the World Cup aloft.

He said: "I think it’s the best chance we’ve had for a long time - you look at the strength we’ve got in the squad.

"I don’t think people are hiding behind anything, the manager has said it - we have a great chance. He says we’re one of four or five teams that have a chance of winning it and I think he is right.

"You look at the group, and we would like to top it. If the results go as they should we could maybe get Poland next and we’ve beaten them in the qualifiers already.

"If you get to the quarters or semis it’s a one-off game, you need to play well and have a little bit of luck on your side and who knows where we could go after that."

Robinson says England’s self-belief is at an all-time high after the recent stunning 3-2 victory over Argentina in Geneva.

He added: "People say you are only as good as your last game and our last game we beat one of the best teams in the world! It was a very pleasing result and very good for confidence."

To read the full transcript of this press briefing click here