An ordinary man
Unlike some members of the England set-up at the World Cup, Rob Green seems an ordinary fellow. The fact that it was an extraordinary failure, rather than a stunning moment of skill, that has put his name on the lips of most of the nation will be a source of immense embarrassment and upset for the goalkeeper. It should not, however, be a cause for shame.
He made a big mistake – one which he hopes will not come to define his career – but what he did not do was start a war, trigger a recession or even miss a penalty. Indeed, his reaction, saying: "I'm a man and you have hardships in life and prepare for them", showed a sense of perspective that is normally lacking in the crazy millionaires' soap opera of top-level English football.
Green, as well as the nation, must move on. To do so would prove that the characteristic of the English is not perpetual, unblemished success but an ability to triumph over adversity.