USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has spoken in defence of England goalkeepers, following criticism from Spain shot-stopper Iker Casillas.

The Real Madrid custodian had previously questioned whether his Three Lions' counterparts are worthy of competing in the 2010 World Cup, and the Everton 'keeper believes that the Spaniard has got it all wrong.

"David James has played at the top level for a long time," Howard said, according to The Telegraph.

"He has played in so many big games. To criticise him or any goalkeeper is easy but you have to look beyond that and see how he works."

Concerning Robert Green, Howard added: "He's steady. I admire goalkeepers who aren't flashy but who get the job done every week."

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old reckons that his country's Group C opponents can be threatening during deadball situations.

"If we give up too many wide free kicks and direct free kicks, we will probably get punished for it," Howard said. "It's important we're solid on defence and not leave guys open one-on-one."

Wayne Rooney has drawn a fair amount of criticism for bad-mouthing the referee during a warm-up game against Platinum Stars, with some critics calling to memory the red card that the striker received during the quarter-final of the 2006 edition of the tournament.

"We've been warned, keep our emotions in check and watch our mouths," Howard said. "We have a lot of respect for the referees. There won't be any problem from our end."

In the meantime, fellow American Jozy Altidore insists that John Terry will give strikers a tough time during the first World Cup on African soil.

"He's a great player and he reads the game well," said the young forward. "It's going to be tough for whoever is going against him for sure."


Source: Goal UK