TOTTENHAM goalkeeping coach Tony Parks believes that Joe Hart will be the future England No1, but is backing David James to take the jersey during the World Cup. Parks was working with England's up-and-coming goalkeeping as an FA coach...

By Ben Pearce

TOTTENHAM goalkeeping coach Tony Parks believes that Joe Hart will be the future England No1, but is backing David James to take the jersey during the World Cup.

Parks was working with England's up-and-coming goalkeeping as an FA coach before his return to Tottenham in November 2008.

And, although the 47-year-old expects Hart to become a big player for the Three Lions, he believes that James' experience will give him the edge when it comes to selection in South Africa.

"I've got to say that I think Joe Hart is a fantastic young goalkeeper. I've known about him for a while because of my work with England," said Parks.

"I think I first worked with him when he was 14. He's had a brilliant season, and he's in a great position and go on and take the England No1 jersey in future.

"But for a tournament as big as this you've got to have experience so I'd have to go with David James. He's one of those Bruce Grobelaar types who will come out to the edge of his area and take balls to take the pressure off his defence.

"That's something that [Heurelho] Gomes has done very well at Tottenham too. I've said before that if you come for 20 catches you're going to make one mistake, but he'd be my choice this summer.