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Since Joe Hart’s loss of form, a lot of people have been worried about the state of English goalkeeping. While Fraser Forster may be his only serious challenger now. That doesn’t mean there’s not any that could challenge and will challenge in the future. Here’s some goalkeeper that have the potential to challenge the current England number one.
The Reading goalkeeper has had the makings of a top class goalkeeper for the past few seasons now. Arguably Reading’s best player, some notable past performances against Liverpool last and against in 2010-11 showed what a good goalkeeper he is.
Nigel Adkins believes he can reach the top: “I’m expecting him to be a top-four goalkeeper and there are one or two things which we will keep improving on him.” If Premier League clubs are willing to the take the gamble on him. I doubt he will disappoint.
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Jason Steele
He saved so many points for Middlesbrough over the last few years and has come on leaps and bounds since the timid start he made when he first brought into the team by Tony Mowbray in 2010-11.
A talented young goalkeeper, he needs to now make the next step to being an established professional. If he can become commanding and dominating as a goalkeeper, he will certainly play for a top Premier League club one day.
Scott Carson
He seems very much past the dreadful performance of Croatia 2008 and now he is finding his feet again at Wigan Athletic. Some impressive performance so far in the Championship has seen him earn some valuable points for the Latics.
Sadly he has been out for the last few weeks, but when he returns he will surely stake a claim to be included on the flight to Brazil in 2014.
Karl Darlow
The current Nottingham Forest number one had to endure loan spells at Newport and Walsall before he was finally given his big break last season when Lee Camp left the club. Since taking the gloves last season he has put in consistent performances for Nottingham Forest and has earned the trust of manager Billy Davies. Forest showed how valuable the former Aston Villa youth player was to them by offering him a four-year contract extension.
His importance in Forest’s promotion battle was displayed recently, when he made some quality saves to keep a clean sheet at Leicester City in a game Nottingham Forest won 2-0.
George Long
Since becoming the first choice at Sheffield United, George Long has made significant steps in his career including earning his first England u21 call up for the games against Moldova and Finland. Although he is yet to earn his first England u21 cap, it won’t be too far away.
Declan Rudd
In his second season on loan at Preston from Norwich City. Declan Rudd is currently one the most highly rated goalkeepers in League One. With England youth caps from the U16s to the U21s. He has the potential to replace John Ruddy at Norwich and possibly challenge for England’s number one shirt.
Verdict
With so many good English goalkeepers, and many of them under 25, plying their trade in the Football League. There’s only encouragement when looking at the future of the England number one shirt. While many think Joe Hart will comfortably maintain it for the next ten years, there will be no doubt be challengers in the future.
