Iker Casillas believes England’s goalkeepers will be the Three Lions’ key weakness at the World Cup.

The Spain and Real Madrid number one has questioned the big-match temperament of Robert Green, David James and Joe Hart ahead of the tournament, which gets underway on Friday.

None of the England goalkeeping trio featured for their club sides in Europe last season, while both Portsmouth’s James and Green of West Ham lined up for teams battling relegation from the Premier League.

And Casillas, a key member of Spain’s Euro 2008-winning squad, believes top teams will be able to expose England’s frailties in that area.

He said: “I can see why both Lionel Messi and Xavi have talked up England’s chances at the World Cup because their class is undisputed. But their goalkeeping situation is a real problem.

“None of the keepers have played even European Cup level.

“And if you have never played in the top club competition in the world, you are going to find it hard to perform at the top international level in the world when even more eyes are on you.

“If you look at myself, Gigi Buffon of Italy and Julio Cesar of Brazil, we are keepers who’ve all won European Championships, World Cups and European Cups.

“At this level nerves play a big part and any mistake a goalkeeper makes is going to be scrutinised.

“It’s not always about ability at the World Cup, it’s about having been there before and knowing how to handle the big games.”

England coach Fabio Capello has left England’s fans guessing as to who his number one will be in South Africa, but Casillas believes he knows who will get the nod.

“I don’t see that England coach Fabio Capello has any choice but to play Robert Green,” he added.

“It doesn’t matter if Joe Hart has more natural ability.

"To throw him into the World Cup with no experience would be crazy and Fabio is far more intelligent than that.”