Shilton criticises Carson selection

England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton believes manager Steve McClaren made a "catastrophic mistake" by picking Scott Carson for Wednesday's disastrous Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Carson was at fault for Croatia's first goal as England's hopes of reaching next year's finals were shattered by a 3-2 defeat at Wembley.

Shilton, who won 125 England caps, told The Times: "Playing Scott Carson on Wednesday was a catastrophic mistake. Given his lack of experience at international level it was a huge risk to play him in a game that meant everything to the country. It was a big ask for somebody making his competitive debut."

He added: "I would have played Paul Robinson because he has not done a bad job for England and he has also done pretty well for Spurs since the new manager [Juande Ramos] arrived.

"But if you want to drop Robinson because you think there is a lack of confidence, you should go for David James. He has been there, seen it and done it."

Portsmouth keeper James, 37, was on the bench for the match after McClaren took the decision to leave Robinson out of his squad altogether.

Shilton believes Robinson and Carson are amongst a clutch of promising English keepers but questions whether they are receiving the correct guidance.

The 58-year-old, whose England career stretched from 1969-1990, added: "They are talented but have got to a certain level and not gone any farther.

"It is down to coaching. I spent my career putting together new drills that honed technique. Don't get me wrong, the English youngsters are good goalkeepers, but a lot of coaches were ordinary keepers and I am not sure if they can see the mistakes that are being made."