Carson: Robbo will play

Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson firmly believes that Paul Robinson will start in goal for England against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. Carson has been tipped as the successor to the Tottenham goalkeeper after a series of high profile blunders.

Carson, who is on a season's loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool, made his full international debut in The Three Lions' 1-0 friendly win in Austria on Friday night.

Tottenham's Robinson had suffered from lack of form and injury problem of late and as such many feel England boss Steve McClaren should continue with the impressive Carson.

Carson said: "I've played in big games before, but I'm not thinking I'm going to be playing on Wednesday.

"I'll just see what happens. It's one game and one clean sheet for me so far, so that's a good record.

"Would I be ready for Wednesday? I'm confident like I was on Friday.

"I think it would be the same on Wednesday but that's down to the manager. He hasn't said anything about it yet. I don't know what's happening."

Carson, who is likely to get a permanent deal at Villa Park judging by Reds boss Rafa Benitez's recent comments, added: "At the last get-together the manager said he was going to try and give me a go when the time is right. Obviously, with the situation we are in, I didn't think it would come this quick.

"But I'm very grateful for him giving me my chance and hopefully I have done okay for him."