MARTYN - TOP CAT FOR ENGLAND?
The Leeds United 'keeper has been something of an enigma when in England colours. Against Romania in Euro 2000 he flapped at a cross resulting in the Romanians scoring their second, but luckily for Martyn, Phillip Neville was on hand to subsequently become the scapegoat. In truth, he has never looked overly secure in any of his 17 caps for England and has only played three spells of 45 minutes in friendly games for England since that Euro 2000 exit.
However, when playing for Leeds he is usually a top class 'keeper and on the basis of his club form there is no question that he should be in the side. In fact, there is substantial evidence to suggest that he should be the number one choice for the position. Last season he saved 78% of the shots that were fired at him while Seaman saved just 68%. The currently-injured David James recorded a saves-to-shots ratio of 72% suggesting that he should be ahead of the Arsenal number one also.
So far this season there is a similar tale. In fact, Martyn has saved a stunning 92% of all efforts fired at him and no regular Premiership 'keeper can better that. The big Cornish stopper has been putting in some fine performances and has made 23 saves in the Premiership so far to attain that ratio. Seaman, on the other hand, has not been doing that well.
The Arsenal 'keeper has repelled 71% of efforts that he has faced and has only made a total of 12 saves so far this season. Not only has Martyn been busier, but he has been better too. If Martyn is to keep goal for England this weekend then the Opta Index shows that there is not better goalkeeper in the Premiership to do so, and certainly no better English stopper.
But the nagging doubts of his previous international performances remain. If and when England qualify for the World Cup finals there will be a sense of déjà vu over the number one spot. It is likely that this will be Seaman's last season for Arsenal as the number one and the big Yorkshireman could - like Peter Shilton in 1990 - retire internationally after the World Cup. Many pointed out that Shilton's lack of pace and agility contributed to England's failure in the decisive penalty shoot-out against Germany and similar fears over Seaman could well arise.
Martyn - who saved a penalty against Spain recently - could even take over in time for the finals if he continues his club form and has an error-free run in the England side. Of course England have to get the result again Greece this weekend first and that will be the first place the Martyn has to take his club form onto the world stage.
