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 was the first-choice goalkeeper there. 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. In July 2008 he moved to Blackburn.

Career highlights

International appearances (2003– ) 41

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. After making some mistakes in England's failed bid to qualify for the 2008 European Championships, Robinson lost his place in the starting line-up and was left out of manager Fabio Capello's first England squad in 2008.