The final decision over whether Shropshire goalkeeper Joe Hart will start for England in the World Cup team who will be pitted against Algeria in tonight’s match is still “up in the air”, his father said today.

The Shrewsbury-born stopper is vying with Robert Green, whose mistake gifted the USA a draw in the last Saturday’s game, and also goalie David James for a place in England’s starting XI for the crunch match.

But speaking from Cape Town, South Africa, this morning Joe’s father Charlie, who left his Shrewsbury home on Wednesday for South Africa, said none of the keepers had been told who would be playing.

He said: “I don’t know whether Joe will play. It’s still up in the air. I spoke to Joseph last night and he doesn’t seem to know and none of them know, I don’t think he (Fabio Capello) has reassured Green.”

Mr Hart, of Gains Park, said Joe had been keeping himself busy and was already proving a winner in the activities the squad had been playing to fill time between matches.

Enjoying

He said: “They are keeping themselves busy and he’s the best at table tennis and is top of the darts league. Training is going well and he’s enjoying it, he must be enjoying it because he’s not bored yet.”

Mr Hart said he was also enjoying his time in South Africa. He said: “It’s a beautiful country and the people are lovely. The weather is absolutely glorious. Hopefully we will see Joe tonight. We are staying in Cape Town and the players have got free time until 4pm tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Joe’s former goalkeeping coach at Shrewsbury Town FC today urged England boss Capello to pick the 23-year-old.

Dave Timmins, who first started working with Joe as a 14-year-old, said his physical and mental strength meant he could cope with the pressure of playing in a World Cup.

He said: “Yes I think he should start. I think if you look at how he has been playing in the Premier League he has consistently done well.”

By Russell Roberts