Goalie Robert Green turns to religion after England World Cup flop

England and West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has sought spiritual guidance from club chaplain Alan Bolding after his World Cup flop.

Green had failed to save a long-range shot from USA midfielder Clint Dempsey in England’s Group C game. The incident saw the ball bounce off Green’s gloves and go over the goal line. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

After the error, David James replaced Green in England’s next game against Algeria.

He did not appear again in the World Cup, and was omitted from the first England squad named after the tournament for a friendly against Hungary.

According to the Daily Express, Green now holds regular Friday meetings with Bolding to seek spiritual guidance to overcome the slump.

“After the World Cup I saw him at the club, put my arm around his shoulder and asked, how is the best keeper in the world?” Bolding said.

“I see him mostly on a Friday and we have a little talk about things. I’d like to think that I am of some help to him,” he added.

The 30-year-old has been under intense pressure following the incident, and was jeered by West Ham fans in their last Premier League game against Chelsea at Upton Park.