England (now 15/2 to win the World Cup) and West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green has put his World Cup mistake behind him after allowing a long-distance shot slip through his hands against the USA on Saturday.

Green was selected ahead of David James and Joe Hart, and enjoyed a solid performance except for his one howler which ultimately cost the Three Lions all three points in their opening Group C game in Rustenburg.

The Hammers shot stopper recovered from his earlier mistake in the second half with a good save from USA striker Jozy Altidore’s shot.

Green was quick to come out and speak to the media after the game, stating that he can handle the criticism that will be coming his way after the huge error.

He said: “It’s not something you can allow to affect yourself.

“In the next 50 minutes, I felt confident, I felt fine.

“It’s about being steady and taking the rough with the smooth, but that’s life as a goalkeeper.

“I’ve been in this situation before and it’s about holding your head up high, facing you guys (the media), taking the flak which is going to come. That’s life,” he added.

England took an early lead in the match thanks to a goal from captain Steven Gerrard who slotted the ball home after a good pass from Aston Villa forward Emile Heskey.

The Liverpool midfielder backed his keeper after the game and is confident that the player will bounce back from the mistake.

He said: “It was one of those freak things, I don’t think you can criticise the keeper. People have been talking about the ball and it is tricky.

“Rob will learn from this and he might make an important save that wins us a match. We’re all behind him. It was a bit of shock and it took us a while to get over it.”

Fabio Capello now has to make a decision on whether Green will keep his place in the starting line up or to start James or Hart in the second game on Friday.

England (1/14 to qualify from Group C) will be looking towards their next game against Algeria and they could be without a couple of players through injury.

James Milner was brought off after 30 minutes during the USA match after the Aston Villa midfielder struggled on the left wing.

It is not certain whether the temperature that the player has suffered with got the better of him or if he struggled with the pace in the game after picking up a yellow card for a mistimed challenge.

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