Clemence is backing Robinson to overcome his error in Croatia

Robinson was widely blamed for the airshot which sealed England's 2-0 defeat in Croatia last year.

But Clemence said: "The criticism he's received has gone on for far too long. He deserves to be in the side."

Robinson returns in place of Ben Foster for the crucial Euro 2008 game against Israel on Saturday, 24 March.

Foster, Watford's on-loan Manchester United keeper, won his first cap in the friendly game against Spain last month.

Steve McClaren has quite rightly said Paul is the number one Ray Clemence

But despite the horror goal in Croatia, Clemence is firmly convinced that Robinson's confidence has not suffered and deserves to win his place back.

"If you let in a goal as freakish as the one against Croatia then you will receive criticism and you have to accept that as a goalkeeper," Clemence continued.

"But the length of time it has gone on, and he still keeps being reminded of it, I think it has gone over the top."

Clemence added that Robinson is well aware his position has been put under more pressure by the good form of Foster.

"Paul's not stupid, he knows how well Ben's playing. But Steve McClaren quite rightly has said Paul is the number one for this moment and will play against Israel."