A string of long-range goals at the World Cup has prompted a discussion among former England internationals about whether goalkeepers are struggling to get to grips with the tournament ball.
Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney and Mark Chapman debated the issue, with the trio examining footage of strikes from distance that have found the net. The conversation comes after England themselves hit four in their World Cup opener against Croatia, though it remains unclear whether any of those goals were from long range.
“Hart, Rooney and Chapman discuss goalkeepers' struggles with World Cup ball after long range goals.”
The ball, designed for the tournament, has been the subject of scrutiny from players and pundits alike, with its flight and grip cited as potential factors in the number of goals scored from outside the box. Hart, a former England goalkeeper, and Rooney, the country's all-time leading scorer, offered their perspectives alongside presenter Chapman.
The video, published by BBC Sport, did not provide a definitive conclusion, but the discussion highlights a growing debate as the competition progresses.