Foster to be England Number 1

Red For Ever · 5th September 2008, 09:42

Seaman thinks Foster will be Englands number 1 by the world cup
That of course will only happen if he is playing regularly
It opens another debate that has been aired here before
Foster or Kuszczak for the future at United
It will be difficult to see Foster being Englands No 1 if he isnt
United No1

World Cup qual. - Seaman: Foster will be no.1
Eurosport - Fri, 05 Sep 08:54:00 2008
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman believes that Ben Foster can emerge as the main candidate to replace David James in the national team.

Former Arsenal keeper Seaman, who made 75 appearances for England and was first choice for the Three Lions at two World Cups and two European Championships, tipped the 25-year-old to follow in his footsteps by claiming the number one shirt.
Foster spent two years on loan at Watford before returning to parent club Manchester United last season, but spent much of the last campaign out after undergoing surgery on his cruciate knee ligament.
Seaman said: "I look at people like [Manchester City goalkeeper] Joe Hart and Ben Foster. If he [Foster] can start playing and show he's come back from his knee injury, I think he might be the main contender."
Despite being held on such high regard by Seaman and former England boss Steve McClaren - who handed Foster his one and only England cap in the friendly against Spain in February 2007 - the former Wrexham keeper only made his Manchester United debut in the 1-0 win at Derby County in March, but continues to be behind Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak in the pecking order.
As such, the Warwickshire-born shot-stopper has not been included in Fabio Capello's squad to face Croatia nd Andorra in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
While Seaman tipped Foster as England's man for the future, he also backed current the current number one, David James, and hailed England's strength in depth in the position.
He said: "If David [James] can stay clear of injuries then I can't see a problem.
"It's down to the other lads to put some pressure on him. But David is there by right He had a fantastic season last year, he seems to have put his game together and not making the bad mistakes that he's known for.
"But don't forget Paul Robinson, he didn't become a bad keeper overnight. Paul did really well. He just had a bad spell and got a lot of criticism for a goal that really wasn't his fault [against Croatia in Zagreb when Gary Neville's back pass bobbled over his boot]. I said to him afterwards "Try getting bad luck like that in a World Cup!". So he's still there.
"For me it's still looking good. It's not like we don't have any good goalies coming through, which worry me quite a bit because of all the foreign keepers coming to the Premier League. The only thing that does worry me is that we don't have a top goalie at a top club."

Epic · 5th September 2008, 09:55

I have a fear if van der Sar will decide to go for one more season after this then PIG and mainly Foster, with the WC in mind, will start looking for a new club.

devilish · 5th September 2008, 10:02

VDS can't go on forever (unfortunately). Foster will get his chance IF he manages to remain fit.

RedSky At Night · 5th September 2008, 10:18

Foster needs to keep fit thats his first aim. Once he's fit his ability and skill should do the talking. But he has stiff competition from PIG, but ultimatly if Foster wants to be England #1, then he has to be able to beat PIG into 2nd spot (FA Cup/League Cup places).

Pogue Mahone · 5th September 2008, 10:20

Why are people questioning Foster's ability to keep fit?

He's just had ONE serious injury, which has since been sorted. He's not exactly Chris Kirkland, FFS.

He played 90 minues for the reserves the other day, by the way.

theimperialinn · 5th September 2008, 10:22

Foster comes from my hometown, I've been told SAF has told him he thinks he'll end up Englands number 1.

Elliott · 5th September 2008, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Why are people questioning Foster's ability to keep fit?

He's just had ONE serious injury, which has since been sorted. He's not exactly Chris Kirkland, FFS.

He played 90 minues for the reserves the other day, by the way.

It's a bit of a concern. It's a horrific injury, it still ends careers every now and again. And so far Foster has been sitting out 2 games for every one he's played.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 10:36

Foster will get opportunities this season. He looks the real deal, and is still very young for a goalkeeper.

Nistelrooy10 · 5th September 2008, 10:37

VDS announced he's leaving at the end. He doesn't look like the kind to change his mind

Pogue Mahone · 5th September 2008, 10:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

It's a bit of a concern. It's a horrific injury, it still ends careers every now and again. And so far Foster has been sitting out 2 games for every one he's played.

Cruciate repairs are a lot less hit and miss these days. Although the rehab is still quite prolonged (hence, presumably, the stop-start return to action)

No reason to assume he's going to have any lasting adverse effects though, especially as a keeper, where his joints will take less of a pounding than in other positions on the pitch.

Elliott · 5th September 2008, 10:52

Fingers crossed, PM. I did expect things to go a bit smoother for him this season. After all he played 90 mins in March already.

Lot 49 · 5th September 2008, 11:31

He needs to be playing a lot more than reserve games for a year if he wants to replace VdS. The guy's in his mid 20s and has played a very small number of competative games compared to other top keepers.

Eto'odinho · 5th September 2008, 11:31

Personally I tend to feel more confident with keepers who are at least 6ft.4.5 in tall

cw1984 · 5th September 2008, 11:44

He's shown he's got talent by his displays for Watford but its easier to look a better keeper when you're kept busy all the time. Tim Howard for example.... good keeper but Everton is his level.

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

He's shown he's got talent by his displays for Watford but its easier to look a better keeper when you're kept busy all the time. Tim Howard for example.... good keeper but Everton is his level.

That is true but the Derby game, Foster showed he was alert when Miller was through twice which isn't a bad sign. In anycase the fact of the matter is Watford were a bad team, almost as bad as Derby last year. The fact that we're the only team to score more than 3 goals against them in a match is mainly down to Foster.

cw1984 · 5th September 2008, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

That is true but the Derby game, Foster showed he was alert when Miller was through twice which isn't a bad sign. In anycase the fact of the matter is Watford were a bad team, almost as bad as Derby last year. The fact that the only team to score more than 3 goals against them in a match is mainly down to Foster.

Other good shot stoppers include David James, Mark Bosnich etc.

Don't take this the wrong way, i have high hopes for Fozzy and i hope he's good enough to take over from Edwin when he steps down but i do think people on here have him up on some pedestal for not much reason.

He did do well against Derby though. But then T-Ho had some storming games for us!

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

Other good shot stoppers include David James, Mark Bosnich etc.

Don't take this the wrong way, i have high hopes for Fozzy and i hope he's good enough to take over from Edwin when he steps down but i do think people on here have him up on some pedestal for not much reason.

He did do well against Derby though. But then T-Ho had some storming games for us!

PIG is a better shot stopper than Foster anyway. In fact PIG is probably the best shot stopper at the club right now. We won't be able to tell if he is good enough till he actually gets more chances anyway.

A1Dan · 5th September 2008, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eto'odinho

Personally I tend to feel more confident with keepers who are at least 6ft.4.5 in tall

He is 6ft 4

A1Dan · 5th September 2008, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

i do think people on here have him up on some pedestal for not much reason.

1) Fergie says he' future England no1
2) So does Seaman and various other punters who should know their stuff
3) Boothroyd said he'll be the best in the world
4) Won us the match with some great save in his first and only appearance for us.

Obviously, nothing is guaranteed with these things, but I reckon there's plenty to be excited about...

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1Dan

1) Fergie says he' future England no1
2) So does Seaman and various other punters who should know their stuff
3) Boothroyd said he'll be the best in the world
4) Won us the match with some great save in his first and only appearance for us.

Obviously, nothing is guaranteed with these things, but I reckon there's plenty to be excited about...

Agreed.

RedDevil#26655 · 5th September 2008, 12:10

I have high expectations for him, he will go far.

Raven_Blade · 5th September 2008, 12:39

For the sake of England I bach him to go on and become no 1. We have 3 good keepers at our club anyway and he needs to be patient because when Van Der Sar retires, the top job is within his grasp.

Decotron · 5th September 2008, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

PIG is a better shot stopper than Foster anyway. In fact PIG is probably the best shot stopper at the club right now. We won't be able to tell if he is good enough till he actually gets more chances anyway.

I disagree Foster at Watford made some stunning reflex saves. His distribution and positional sense are miles ahead of PIG. He also has a greater presence which is v. important IMO. The no 1 jersey is Fosters for the taking.

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decotron

I disagree Foster at Watford made some stunning reflex saves. His distribution and positional sense are miles ahead of PIG. He also has a greater presence which is v. important IMO. The no 1 jersey is Fosters for the taking.

Oh don't get me wrong I didn't mean that Foster isn't a better keeper. He is in my opinion due to the reasons you listed particularly his greater presence. However I just think PIG is just an outstanding shot stopper and can make saves you that you just couldn't believe.

cw1984 · 5th September 2008, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1Dan

1) Fergie says he' future England no1
2) So does Seaman and various other punters who should know their stuff
3) Boothroyd said he'll be the best in the world
4) Won us the match with some great save in his first and only appearance for us.

Obviously, nothing is guaranteed with these things, but I reckon there's plenty to be excited about...

Agree with all of this. What i mean is a lot of United fans bang on and on about him presuming he's going to just take over from VDS no problem and what is it based on?

Coaches opinions, 1 game for us and a season at Watford.

Its very little really.

Castolo · 5th September 2008, 15:40

PIG doesn't strike me as a long term No.1. More of an able deputy to Edwin and probably Foster next season.

If Kuszsack was to secure a first team place then we're going back to the Howard/Caroll years - good keepers but not that good. We should go for the very best possible, and if Foster is as good as his reputation suggests then we could have a gem on our hands.

born&raisedred · 5th September 2008, 15:50

Foster seems to be the better keeper but PIG is an outstanding shot stopper, just a shame about the rest of his game, struggles coming for crosses, distribution is poor and doesn't have the greatest presence in the box.

crappycraperson · 5th September 2008, 16:08

It is a muppetish but he won me over with that Derby performance. I hope Fergie uses him for FA and Carling cup games at least.

I think PIG will have to settle for being our long term no.2.

carpy · 5th September 2008, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Why are people questioning Foster's ability to keep fit?

He's just had ONE serious injury, which has since been sorted. He's not exactly Chris Kirkland, FFS.

He played 90 minues for the reserves the other day, by the way.

He's done his cruciate (same knee) twice now in his career and I seem to remember Fergie saying the operation he had for the second one (whilst with United) was more complex than usual. He also missed a fair bit of pre-season after complaining of soreness in his knee. I guess that would be the reason people are questioning his ability to keep fit. Hopefully he'll be fine from here on in though.

5th September 2008, 09:42	#1 (permalink)
Red For Ever Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,644	Foster to be England Number 1 Seaman thinks Foster will be Englands number 1 by the world cup That of course will only happen if he is playing regularly It opens another debate that has been aired here before Foster or Kuszczak for the future at United It will be difficult to see Foster being Englands No 1 if he isnt United No1 World Cup qual. - Seaman: Foster will be no.1 Eurosport - Fri, 05 Sep 08:54:00 2008 Former England goalkeeper David Seaman believes that Ben Foster can emerge as the main candidate to replace David James in the national team. Former Arsenal keeper Seaman, who made 75 appearances for England and was first choice for the Three Lions at two World Cups and two European Championships, tipped the 25-year-old to follow in his footsteps by claiming the number one shirt. Foster spent two years on loan at Watford before returning to parent club Manchester United last season, but spent much of the last campaign out after undergoing surgery on his cruciate knee ligament. Seaman said: "I look at people like [Manchester City goalkeeper] Joe Hart and Ben Foster. If he [Foster] can start playing and show he's come back from his knee injury, I think he might be the main contender." Despite being held on such high regard by Seaman and former England boss Steve McClaren - who handed Foster his one and only England cap in the friendly against Spain in February 2007 - the former Wrexham keeper only made his Manchester United debut in the 1-0 win at Derby County in March, but continues to be behind Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak in the pecking order. As such, the Warwickshire-born shot-stopper has not been included in Fabio Capello's squad to face Croatia nd Andorra in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. While Seaman tipped Foster as England's man for the future, he also backed current the current number one, David James, and hailed England's strength in depth in the position. He said: "If David [James] can stay clear of injuries then I can't see a problem. "It's down to the other lads to put some pressure on him. But David is there by right He had a fantastic season last year, he seems to have put his game together and not making the bad mistakes that he's known for. "But don't forget Paul Robinson, he didn't become a bad keeper overnight. Paul did really well. He just had a bad spell and got a lot of criticism for a goal that really wasn't his fault [against Croatia in Zagreb when Gary Neville's back pass bobbled over his boot]. I said to him afterwards "Try getting bad luck like that in a World Cup!". So he's still there. "For me it's still looking good. It's not like we don't have any good goalies coming through, which worry me quite a bit because of all the foreign keepers coming to the Premier League. The only thing that does worry me is that we don't have a top goalie at a top club."

5th September 2008, 09:55	#2 (permalink)
Epic First Team Sub Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: no man's land Posts: 6,042	I have a fear if van der Sar will decide to go for one more season after this then PIG and mainly Foster, with the WC in mind, will start looking for a new club.

5th September 2008, 10:02	#3 (permalink)
devilish Nationality: Italian-English, Maltese Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cnut's home Posts: 18,163	VDS can't go on forever (unfortunately). Foster will get his chance IF he manages to remain fit.

5th September 2008, 10:18	#4 (permalink)
RedSky At Night Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,670	Foster needs to keep fit thats his first aim. Once he's fit his ability and skill should do the talking. But he has stiff competition from PIG, but ultimatly if Foster wants to be England #1, then he has to be able to beat PIG into 2nd spot (FA Cup/League Cup places).

5th September 2008, 10:20	#5 (permalink)
Pogue Mahone Dr Death wasting tax payers money on the Caf all day Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: "As relaxed and natural on the park as a dog chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind" Posts: 16,095	Why are people questioning Foster's ability to keep fit? He's just had ONE serious injury, which has since been sorted. He's not exactly Chris Kirkland, FFS. He played 90 minues for the reserves the other day, by the way.

5th September 2008, 10:22	#6 (permalink)
theimperialinn First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: OBLIDEE OBLIDA MAN UNITED! EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS! Posts: 5,684	Foster comes from my hometown, I've been told SAF has told him he thinks he'll end up Englands number 1.

5th September 2008, 10:36	#8 (permalink)
Bilbo First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,777	Foster will get opportunities this season. He looks the real deal, and is still very young for a goalkeeper.

5th September 2008, 10:37	#9 (permalink)
Nistelrooy10 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,519	VDS announced he's leaving at the end. He doesn't look like the kind to change his mind

5th September 2008, 10:52	#11 (permalink)
Elliott Likes Loan Stickies Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4,846	Fingers crossed, PM. I did expect things to go a bit smoother for him this season. After all he played 90 mins in March already.

5th September 2008, 11:31	#12 (permalink)
Lot 49 Doom Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,174	He needs to be playing a lot more than reserve games for a year if he wants to replace VdS. The guy's in his mid 20s and has played a very small number of competative games compared to other top keepers.

5th September 2008, 11:31	#13 (permalink)
Eto'odinho Retard magnet Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Barad Dûr Posts: 9,007	Personally I tend to feel more confident with keepers who are at least 6ft.4.5 in tall

5th September 2008, 11:44	#14 (permalink)
cw1984 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: X-Box 360 gamertag = CW1984 Posts: 2,718	He's shown he's got talent by his displays for Watford but its easier to look a better keeper when you're kept busy all the time. Tim Howard for example.... good keeper but Everton is his level.

5th September 2008, 12:10	#21 (permalink)
RedDevil#26655 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: :noitacoL Posts: 4,661	I have high expectations for him, he will go far.

5th September 2008, 12:39	#22 (permalink)
Raven_Blade Attention Whoring Common Crow Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: In Man Utd's Defence. Posts: 18,234	For the sake of England I bach him to go on and become no 1. We have 3 good keepers at our club anyway and he needs to be patient because when Van Der Sar retires, the top job is within his grasp.

5th September 2008, 15:40	#26 (permalink)
Castolo Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,178	PIG doesn't strike me as a long term No.1. More of an able deputy to Edwin and probably Foster next season. If Kuszsack was to secure a first team place then we're going back to the Howard/Caroll years - good keepers but not that good. We should go for the very best possible, and if Foster is as good as his reputation suggests then we could have a gem on our hands.

5th September 2008, 15:50	#27 (permalink)
born&raisedred Youth Team Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 273	Foster seems to be the better keeper but PIG is an outstanding shot stopper, just a shame about the rest of his game, struggles coming for crosses, distribution is poor and doesn't have the greatest presence in the box.

5th September 2008, 16:08	#28 (permalink)
crappycraperson "Resident cricket authority" Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: <Insert something funny here> Posts: 11,488	It is a muppetish but he won me over with that Derby performance. I hope Fergie uses him for FA and Carling cup games at least. I think PIG will have to settle for being our long term no.2.