West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green refused to blame the World Cup ball for last night's howler.

Green allowed a 25-yard shot from USA midfielder Clint Dempsey to slip from his grasp and over the line for the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Green's error cancelled out the opening goal from England skipper Steve Gerrard and leaves the group in the balance for Fabio Capello's side.

Green admits that the World Cup ball may have had some influence on his error but refused to use it as an excuse.

He said: "The ball may well have moved. I don't often miss the ball by that much.

"It may have moved quite a bit but I'm not looking to make an excuse for what happened and I hold my hand up and take responsibility."