ONE OF the biggest surprises conjured up by current England boss Fabio Capello was the inclusion of goalkeeper Joe Lewis in his squad in 2008, writes DAVE EVANS. The Peterborough number one was drafted in for the matches against Trinidad & Tobago and the

ONE OF the biggest surprises conjured up by current England boss Fabio Capello was the inclusion of goalkeeper Joe Lewis in his squad in 2008, writes DAVE EVANS.

The Peterborough number one was drafted in for the matches against Trinidad & Tobago and the United States that summer, and though he was an unused sub in both, he certainly came to the attention of English football fans.

Now Lewis has been linked with a move to West Ham in the summer with many suggesting he will be an ideal replacement for current England goalkeeper Rob Green.

The West Ham custodian has not asked for a transfer away from Upton Park, but there seems to be a distinct difference in his body language this season, as well as his form.

Two seasons ago he walked away with the Hammer of the Year award, last season he wasn't far behind, but this time round his patchy form has been indicative of the way the team has struggled.

Green has made no secret of the fact that he wants to win trophies and even harbours ambitions of playing abroad.

West Ham have hinted that they will not stand in the 30-year-old's way should he ask for a move to one of the top clubs, as he will have just one year left on his contract in the summer.

The England man is hoping to prove himself at Wembley tonight when Capello's men begin their World Cup warm-up campaign with a clash against Egypt.

He was sent off in his last England appearance against Ukraine last October, with David James taking the opportunity to reclaim his number one spot.

Since then, Joe Hart has muscled his way into the picture with some superb performances on loan at Birmingham City, and he will also look for a start against the African champions.

Hart was linked with a move to West Ham a couple of weeks ago, with David Sullivan keen to copy the deal he did for the youngster while he was at St Andrews, but it seems that Lewis may be a better bet should Green depart.

The 22-year-old comes from similar stock as Green. He was a Norwich City trainee before joining Peterborough in a �400,000 deal in January 2008.

Since then he has clocked up over 100 appearances for the Posh, collecting runners-up medals in both League One and League Two along the way.

This season has not been so easy as Peterborough have struggled at the bottom of the Championship, but the England under-21 international has still received rave reviews, not least from his display against Spurs in a 4-0 FA Cup defeat.

Once again, it could be Harry Redknapp and Tottenham who are the main competition for the signature of Lewis, with bidding expected to start at around �3million.

Green's departure is by no means cut and dried, but West Ham need to economise and if that means cashing in on the England goalkeeper, then having Lewis as a replacement will certainly cushion the blow.