01 March 2006
VIDEO: England 2-1 Uruguay

England warmed up for the World Cup by coming back from a goal down to beat Uruguay at Anfield, with Joe Cole the match-winner.

England goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks is backing Paul Robinson to prove his quality at the World Cup Finals.

Banks famously helped England win the World Cup in 1966 and quickly became known as one of the greatest keepers in the world.

Now he believes Robinson has a chance to do the same as England prepare for Germany 2006.

He said: "Paul Robinson has improved tremendously over the last year. Whether he is a world class goalkeeper yet remains to be seen, we will only find that out when he actually plays in the World Cup. But he’s by far the best goalkeeper we have in this country.

"I would be very, very surprised if Sven-Goran Eriksson doesn’t play him for every game in the World Cup. I think he will play a big part and if he performs well he can come out of the tournament with everyone talking about him as a world class goalkeeper."

Banks believes being a goalkeeper is a much more difficult art these days with modern-day footballs moving far more in the air.

He said: "The balls are a lot lighter and it makes it a lot tougher for goalkeepers these days. It moves all over the place, especially when you have players with skills like the Brazilians have. We come down much too hard on goalkeepers for some of the so-called mistakes they make.

"But Paul is very consistent. I think he now has a lot of confidence from the back four in front of him for England and a good understanding with his defence. It’s important we keep those four the same if we can and I think he will do very well at the World Cup. I think the team has a good chance."

Banks’ 1966 teammates Jack Charlton, George Cohen and Martin Peters all believe the Three Lions have a chance of glory this summer.

Charlton added: "We have a very strong midfield, good strikers and I think John Terry is possibly the best central defender in the world. The conditions are right for us and the weather in Germany won’t be a problem. We certainly have a good chance."