British media attack on Green is unhelpful and unnecessary

England goalkeeper Robert Green (Photo: City College Norwich)

Following England’s disappointing opening match with the United States, the back pages of most British newspapers were dominated by pictures of a devastated Robert Green.

Green, who made the mistake which gave the USA their equaliser, will have expected such treatment, as would any player whose actions dent England’s World Cup hopes.

But perhaps Green was less prepared for many of the tabloids searching through his private life in an attempt to dig up dirt.

It probably sums up the modern media well. A man who loves his country made a mistake at the World Cup and a no holds barred attack on everything he holds dear follows.

Regardless of what picture the newspapers paint of the West Ham goalkeeper, it is not going to help England’s hopes in South Africa.

If England want to stand any chance of beating the favourites such as Spain and Brazil then they need the nation united behind them, forgetting about the mistakes and focusing on the matches ahead.

The longer Green’s name is dragged through the dirt, the longer a black cloud will loom over the England squad. It does not help the players and it nor England’s hopes of lifting the trophy come 11 July.