RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Robert Green wrote his name onto the lengthening list of blundering England goalkeepers.
Green let a routine shot from Clint Dempsey slip through his grasp for the Americans’ only goal in their high-profile World Cup opener.
From David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup and Scott Carson in a Euro 2008 qualifier to several gaffes by David “Calamity” James, England has a growing reputation for producing poor goalkeepers.
Former star keepers such as Gordon Banks, Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton would likely have dealt easily with Dempsey’s low, left-footed drive in the 40th minute in Rustenburg on Saturday. Green was well-positioned as he went down to stop the ball, but it slipped off his gloves and rolled into the net to make it 1-1.
He was visibly deflated after his horrendous mistake, which silenced the thousands of Eng-land fans.
“I think it’s one of them freak things,” Eng-land captain Steven Gerrard said. “I don’t think you can criticize the goalkeeper. We’re all behind him.”
England coach Fabio Capello said he hasn’t decided whether to start Green for the second game against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday.
“Hopefully the English papers take it easy on him,” U.S. defender Carlos Bocanegra said. “We’re happy we scored and got back in the game, but you never want to see that.”
Green didn’t dodge culpability but immediately held up his right mitt, as if to say, “My bad,” to his raging coach and disbelieving teammates.
“I take responsibility,” he said. “It was my mistake. I’ve made mistakes in my career. I’m strong enough to bounce back.”
