Time's up for Seaman - Shilts

The Arsenal custodian's high-profile flap at Artim Sakiri's corner on Wednesday led to Englad's embarrassing draw against Macedonia, and heaping more pressure on Seaman.

The 39-year-old had still not erased the memory of Ronaldinho's winner during the World Cup, and the latest error has increased calls for him to quit.

England legend Shilton knows a thing or two about goalkeeping after his 125 caps for his country, and believes time should be called on Seaman's reign as number one.

"The best keepers make the fewest mistakes and David is making too many," said Shilton.

"I have always been a fan of David's. He is a superb professional who has given great service. It would be a terrible shame if he hung on until he was hounded out.

Shilton made his last England appearance at the age of 41, but does not think Seaman should follow suit, and says he would have quit had he not let in Ronaldinho's effort in The Far East.

"I think David would have quit after the World Cup in June if he hadn't made that mistake against Brazil," Shilton added in The Sun.

"But we all like to go out on a high so what happened made him determined to go on and try to make up for it.

"I felt there were signs in the 18 months leading up to the World Cup that David was losing his edge. But I still felt it was right that he started the finals because of his experience.

"I chose my time when to finish and told Bobby Robson before the 1990 World Cup finals."

Discussions have already begun as to who should be Seaman's successor, with West Ham's David James looking the favourite, along with Leeds' Paul Robinson.

Many believe that Robinson, along with Under-21 keeper Chris Kirkland are the future England goalkeepers, and that they should be thrown into the fray early.

Whites goalkeeping coach Steve Sutton has not doubt that Robinson would do a job for his country in between the sticks.

"Paul has worked very hard at his game and deserves to be in the England squad," said Sutton.

"There is no doubt in my mind that if selected by England he would let nobody down because he has the ability and the right temperament. Nothing fazes him."