It's James not Green as England keeper for Seaman

Green enjoyed six consecutive starts until his sending-off against Ukraine meant he was suspended for last Wednesday's 3-0 win over Belarus.

He faces competition from James and Manchester United's Ben Foster for the coveted jersey and Seaman feels the Portsmouth veteran should get the nod.

He said: "It's very close between all of them, but I'd go for David if it was my choice. Even though he'll be 40 by next Summer he's still really fit so it won't make any difference. Goalkeepers can go on that bit longer anyway.

"He's also got the most experience, which gives him an advantage over Foster and Green. Ben is getting used to the pressure at Manchester United but he might find himself back on the bench when Edwin Van Der Sar recovers from injury, so he won't be getting many games.

"In fact, my only worry for David is he might have a bad back by the end of the season if Portsmouth keep conceding goals."

Seaman, 46, is still an admirer of Green (pictured in action for West Ham, left), and felt he was unlucky to become the first England goalkeeper ever to be sent off.

He said: "It was a bit harsh for Rob as it was down to a Rio Ferdinand mistake that he ended up fouling the player. It's always difficult for a goalkeeper because every mistake gets remembered, although you do get the glory if you make a good save.

"But Rob will bounce back from it because he's a good player. He's been doing really well and has pushed David hard for that England place."

Seaman, who won 75 caps, has fond memories of the 1998 and 2002 tournaments, but conceded people tend to remember the negatives, including the infamous Ronaldinho goal for Brazil that floated over his head to put England out of the tournament in Japan.

He said: "People do mention that quite a lot but I'm over it now. I really enjoyed both tournaments as they were great experiences. It was disappointing not to go all the way, but we will have a good chance next year.

"My only worry is whether we can hit form when the tournament starts. Germany always qualify well and then seem to hit form for tournaments so I hope England can do the same, but it's good to see the team playing so well."

The Ukraine defeat was the first in competitive games under Capello. There have been occasional moments where England have looked vulnerable at the back, with Rio Ferdinand singled out for criticism, but Seaman feels there is no cause for concern.

He said: "England are cruising at the moment, with nine wins out of 10 games. I don't think they are particularly weak at the back but the players just need to get used to playing with each other.

"You need to have a regular back four, like you have at club level. We had that at Arsenal when I played, everyone can remember our back four of the 1990s, and you need to make that transition to playing as a unit at international level."

In 2006 England were knocked out on penalties, a familiar tale from World Cups and European Championships and one fans will pray won't be repeated next Summer.

Seaman was something of a penalty-saving specialist, notably against Spain in the Euro 96 quarter finals, and he believes confidence is the key.

He said: "You have to be confident when you take one. It doesn't matter how much you practice because nothing can recreate the pressure of a semi-final shoot-out.

"When you put the ball down you need to have it in your head where you're going to hit it and don't change your mind. If you do that, you'll probably miss.

"As a goalkeeper you have to be focused. I used to study the angle of the taker's run-up and then dive where I thought he was going to hit it. Luckily it proved to be quite successful - most of the time."

Seaman spent 13 years at Arsenal, helping them to league titles, FA and League cups and a European Cup Winners Cup win in 1994.

Although he admitted he'd like to see the Gunners win the Premier League this season he thinks it will be a close-run competition.

He said: "Arsenal are playing really well and scoring plenty of goals. Unfortunately they've probably lost a few too many games but they are still in with a shout.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are both looking really strong, while the jury's still out on Manchester City. But whoever wins it, it will be tough."

And, surprisingly, he's a fan of the big money takeover at Manchester City, the club where he finished his professional career in 2004.

He said: "I like the fact that they are threatening the big four at the top of the Premier League. It's good for the game.

"I was pleased when Roman Abramovich came to Chelsea and showed you could spend a lot of money and win stuff. It meant another team was up there and could challenge. It makes it more exciting."

David Seaman MBE is patron of the Bobby Moore Fund Sports Ball which takes place on November 14 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Champion Tables are still available.

To find out more visit thebobbymooresportsball.com.