Robinson baffled by personal criticism

Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has talked at length about his blossoming career as #1 for his country, as well as the new regime under boss Steve McClaren.

He said: “Training has been very hard and we have worked on team shape and set plays. But we have enjoyed the intensity of it all."

"The World Cup was a good experience. Having so many eyes and people watching and everyone having an opinion on your game and what you've done wrong and right opened my eyes to a few things.

"To be honest, though, I don't see what I did badly wrong. My progression as England keeper has been good; friendlies, qualifiers, and then the tournament.”

"The World Cup was difficult for us all. Beforehand people were asking us 'can we win the World Cup' and we were all confident.

"Maybe it was blown out of proportion and it was written that we were going to win the World Cup and the expectation was massive.”

England have already faced tomorrow opponents on Macedonian soil, a game in which Steve McClaren's side did just enough to secure maximum points in the qualifying group.