Banks baffled by England form

Gordon Banks has warned England risk losing to the United States in their World Cup opener unless they improve on the recent performances against Platinum Stars, Japan and Mexico.

Banks, the goalkeeping hero of England's victorious 1966 team, fears the worst ahead of Saturday's match if England are not keeping plenty in reserve for the start of the tournament.

"The US will not be a walkover, not at all, not by a long way," said the 72-year-old.

"They have players who play in the Premier League and most of the rest of them play in Europe, which means they have a lot of experience.

"We'll have to play a lot better if we are to come anywhere near even getting just a draw.

"England's last few matches have been disappointing. I don't really know what's gone on.

"I don't know if Capello has told them to take it easy to avoid them getting injured. Over the last three games they weren't zipping the ball about like they should have been."

Banks believes David James will beat off competition from Rob Green and Joe Hart to take the gloves for England's opener in Rustenburg.

However Banks, who won 73 caps for England, believes James' chances of shining for the team will be hampered by the Jubilani ball, which has come in for criticism from goalkeepers past and present.

"This ball now is moving that much in the air that it's ridiculous," said Banks.

"I'm very shocked that FIFA have chosen this ball for the competition because for me it is destroying the art of goalkeeping.

"We're going to see goals go in that will look silly because people will hit the ball from 40 yards and it will move all over the place. It will make the competition a farce."