Fabio Capello was pleased with the performance of Robert Green in England's 3-1 friendly win over Egypt on Wednesday.
The West Ham United goalkeeper earned his ninth cap at Wembley, producing an assured display as the Three Lions fought back from a goal down to secure an impressive victory over the African champions.
Aside from Mohamed Zidan's smart 23rd-minute finish, which gave him no chance, Green dealt with everything that the Egyptians threw at him, catching confidently, distributing the ball well and making a routine second-half save from Zidan.
However, while Capello was happy to see Green complete his sixth full game for England, he would not assure the Hammer of the No1 shirt for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup.
While the 30-year-old kept Portsmouth's David James and Birmingham City's Joe Hart out of the side in midweek, Green knows he will have to keep performing well to retain his starting place in South Africa.
"I think Robert Green needed to play. I know the value of James and for that reason I think Robert needed to play more games. The position is always open. All the positions are always open. I hope the best players will be fit."
Former England captain Alan Mullery, who earned 35 caps between 1964 and 1971, believes Green has done enough to warrant being handed a starting place on a regular basis.
"Green seems to be the No1," said the Sky Sports pundit. "David James will be the No2 and Joe Hart will be the No3. I think those three goalkeepers will go to the World Cup."