Robinson, Paul William (1979- )

English goalkeeper, who played for England in the 2006 World Cup. He signed with Leeds United as a trainee and helped them win the FA Youth Cup in 1997. He made his first team debut in October 1998, when he kept a clean sheet against Chelsea. After Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, Robinson was transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for £1.5 million and had been the first-choice goalkeeper there ever since. After four substitute appearances for his country in 2003, he made his full debut in June 2004, when England beat Iceland 6-1. He became England's number one goalkeeper in September that year, replacing David James.

Career highlights

International appearances (2003- ): 26

He was a crucial part of the young, unfancied Leeds side that progressed to the semifinals of the 2001 European Cup, a run that included victories over AC Milan, Lazio, and Deportivo la Coruna. Robinson also scored a goal against Swindon Town in September 2003, equalizing right at the end of a dramatic League Cup game to force extra time, and he saved two penalties in the shoot-out to win the match.