West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes Robert Green should be England's first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Green was handed a start by England manager Fabio Capello for Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Egypt at Wembley and appears to be at the top of the goalkeeping pecking order ahead of this summer's showpiece.
Zola reckons Green's recent improvement is such that he should retain the number one jersey for the World Cup - ahead of the likes of Portsmouth's David James and Birmingham's Joe Hart - and said: "I think he is good enough to start for England. It's about what Capello thinks but he has been in very good form."
The former Norwich custodian did not start the season particularly well but has grown in stature and has arguably been the Hammers' most impressive performer as they plot their way clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
But Zola added: "He didn't start the season very well but the last few months he has been very good. In my opinion, he has improved because he has learnt from his mistakes.
"I have seen him playing and training and I see him improving. His attitude towards his work is excellent and I'm sure the England staff have seen that too.
"He has always had talent but when things weren't going his way he worked harder to get into the national team and be the number one.
"I thought his body language the other day was excellent. His presence was good
"It is in his hands and I am sure he is focused and determined to keep the position he has now."
