Former England goalkeeper and the country's most capped player, Peter Shilton, believes West Ham's Robert Green is the man to take the gloves in South Africa.

The ex-Leicester City and Nottingham Forest shot-stopper says Green is in the running to be Fabio Capello's number one, just ahead of Portsmouth veteran David James.

"If David was back to the form he was two years ago with Portsmouth when we all thought that he had got over the 'Calamity James' stuff then he would be the automatic choice," Shilton said.

"But because he hasn't, I think Green has his nose in front. He has played more games recently, Capello picked him in the last match in front of James, and he has not done anything really wrong.

"He has made some terrific saves and has been reasonably consistent. You look for that in a goalkeeper.

"West Ham haven't had a great season and that puts more pressure on the goalkeeper. But Green has not folded.

"He has made a few more errors than he would have normally but he has probably been over-worked and the team has let him down a bit.

"But he hasn't crumbled and played in the last England game, and it is not as if he had a nightmare season. It will be interesting to see the Mexico game and see who Capello picks. That will be a pointer to his No.1."