Israel v England
European Championship 2008 Qualifier, Group E
6.30pm, Saturday 24 March 2007
Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv
Current group standings - click here
Archive: England's record with Israel - click here

Ray Clemence believes he is currently working with what could be the finest crop of goalkeepers England has produced for quite some time.

Such an assessment from the national goalkeeping coach is music to the ears of Three Lions' fans ahead of this weekend's crucial European Championship qualifier against Israel in Tel Aviv.

Tottenham's Paul Robinson has established himself as England's first choice goalkeeper over the last two years, while Manchester United youngster Ben Foster impressed on his recent international debut in a friendly with Spain.

There is also further competition from the likes of Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland and Robert Green, prompting praise from a man who himself shared a fascinating rivalry for England's number one jersey with Peter Shilton in the 1970s and 80s.

Clemence said: "Paul's number one, Ben's playing well, Chris Kirkland was playing well until his injury, Scott Carson's having a great season and Robert Green is back from injury as well now.

"All of a sudden, we're looking at more goalkeepers than ever who have a chance of being in the squad.

"They're agreat bunch of lads, and in the background David James is having a great season as well.

"But whichever three are there, they all work well together. They all encourage each other and help the one who is going to be playing in the game."

Clemence puts the current situation down to the benefits of the loan system as many of England best young keepers have made moves during the season to find regular first-team football at club level.

Foster faces tough competition from Edwin Van Der Sar at Old Trafford, while Carson is tasked with a similar challenge at Liverpool.

Kirkland also left Anfield for Wigan, initially on loan, and Clemence agrees that the loan periods have helped enhance their games.

He added: "Playing is the most important thing. You can train as much as you like, but it's time on the pitch where you really learn as a goalkeeper, and there's no better place to do that than the Premiership.

"It's a learning curve and I'm pleased clubs are allowing them to go out on loan because otherwise they'd be sitting on the bench and playing only League Cup matches."

England will want their goalkeepers on top form in Tel Aviv, but Clemence concluded: "If we remain positive all week, we'll get the result."