England boss McClaren is facing a major dilemma over who to select for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifying double-header against Israel and Russia next month following the latest in a series of high-profile blunders by Robinson in the defeat to Germany.

The 27-year-old has retained McClaren's confidence throughout a spell of poor form that was triggered by a major mishap against Croatia in October when an unfortunate bobble meant he aimed a fresh air shot at a Gary Neville back-pass which eventually rolled into the net.

Robinson's below-par performances have continued this term and now the former Leeds star must bounce back from another major misjudgement when, instead of taking the easy option of palming Bernd Schneider's cross over his own bar, he pushed it back out into play, straight into the path of Kevin Kuranyi, who tapped home from six yards.

McClaren has challenged Robinson to prove he has the mental strength to respond. But, though he pointedly refused to condemn the keeper, there was no forceful backing either, raising the obvious possibility that James - who replaced Robinson at half-time last night in a pre-planned move - will return against Israel on September 8.

After spending the last 12 months in exile, it was a major surprise when McClaren recalled the 37-year-old for the Germany encounter.

But, three years after he lost the number one role to Robinson after his own mistake in Austria, James is on the brink of completing an amazing return to prominence.

"If I had any doubts about David, I would not have brought him back in," said McClaren.

"His reaction since being left out of the squad has been very good.

"His form for Portsmouth last year and his performances so far this season have warranted him coming back into the squad."

The inescapable truth for McClaren as he formulates his strategy for a five-game run to November which will determine whether England reach Austria and Switzerland next summer or not is that while he can excuse Robinson a game-changing blunder in a friendly, a repeat in the five-game battle for qualification over the next two months could prove costly, not just for England but for his own job prospects as well.

If the die is not already cast in James' favour, Robinson must produce some eye-catching displays for Tottenham over the next fortnight.

However, given the current shambolic events at White Hart Lane and Sunday's trip to a Manchester United side desperate to record their first win of the campaign, the omens are not exactly encouraging for the Beverley-born keeper.

"Individual players have to be tough enough to take the rough with the smooth," said McClaren.

"When you get criticism which, no doubt, he will get, you have to take it and show your reaction on the park."

It would be easy to look at the scoreline and condemn England, especially as the Germans were without a host of key men, including Michael Ballack.

But John Terry, David Beckham and Michael Owen all got valuable match practice under their belts, Joe Cole was dangerous and Shaun Wright-Phillips' late cameo suggested he will be a major threat against tiring defences.

The anticipated return of Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves next month will strengthen England's midfield immeasurably and should help erase the sloppy passing which undermined last night's effort.

Frank Lampard's first England goal in 12 months should aid the Chelsea man's confidence, and may yet seen him deployed in a more offensive role against Israel given Wayne Rooney is injured, Peter Crouch suspended and Alan Smith appears to lack the ability needed at the very highest level.

The development of Micah Richards also gives cause for optimism.

Richards was instrumental in setting up Lampard's goal last night and even when Gary Neville is fit again, it is by no means certain he will oust the Manchester City youngster from the right-back role.

Yet, for all the positives, the result went against England and the boos that rang out at the end, while unjustified, confirmed McClaren is not a wholly popular figure among the England faithful.

However, the former Middlesbrough coach is realistic enough to know how he can win his detractors round.

"The only way I can stop the boos against me is by qualifying," he said.

"We have two big matches coming up and the players know what they have to do."