UNITED States defender Jonathan Spector believes West Ham team-mate Robert Green should be England’s first-choice goalkeeper at next month’s World Cup in South Africa.

With doubts over David James’ fitness and Joe Hart’s lack of experience, Green could face his Hammers colleague when their two countries meet in their opening Group C match in Rustenburg on June 12.

And Spector would not be surprised to see the 30-year-old between the posts for that fixture and the whole tournament.

“I always personally felt confident having him behind me, that if something goes wrong, he’ll be there,” said the American.

“I think he’s the most consistent as well, compared to the other England keepers.

“That’s something Fabio Capello or any manager would value in a World Cup, especially when there’s a lot more pressure, the kind of pressure the England team will be facing going into it.”