As England gears up to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday evening, one key challenge stands out: overcoming Argentina’s formidable goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa star, celebrated as one of the world’s best, earned the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after helping Argentina secure the trophy.
What many may not know is that Martinez’s rise was shaped significantly by former Cheltenham Town goalkeeper Neil Cutler. Cutler played a crucial role in Martinez’s early development at Aston Villa, helping facilitate the £20 million transfer from Arsenal in September 2020.
The close bond between the pair developed quickly, with Martinez admiringly describing Cutler as “the best English goalkeeping coach by miles.” Backed by then-manager Dean Smith, Cutler identified Martinez as the perfect fit for Villa’s style of play.
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“He ticked every single box — personality-wise, technical ability, and desire to improve,” Cutler explained. “Emi has that South American flair—quick, athletic, powerful—but also an English biomechanical discipline that suits my coaching to a tee.”
Cutler’s insight and detailed presentations to Martinez’s agents helped secure the move, setting the stage for the goalkeeper’s transformation. Although Cutler departed Villa in October 2022 after a managerial change, his relationship with Martinez remained strong. In fact, he was invited to join Argentina’s squad in a pre-World Cup Miami training camp, where he collaborated closely with Argentine goalkeeping coach Martin Tocalli.
“The build-up to that World Cup took three years of hard work,” Cutler reflected. “Martin was receptive to my ideas, and being part of that Argentina setup was an incredible experience. Their unity and spirit made it clear they were destined for greatness.”
Indeed, Martinez excelled on the grandest stage, helping Lionel Messi and Argentina claim their third World Cup title — a proud moment for Cutler, now Sunderland’s goalkeeping coach in the Premier League.
Cutler’s own career began at Cheltenham Town, where a loan spell in the mid-90s gave him his first taste of senior football at just 18. Those early experiences grounded him in competitive football and helped shape his coaching philosophy.
“It was exactly what I needed — a competitive environment where winning mattered,” he recalled. “Playing senior matches from an early age instilled a passion and winning mentality that I pass on to young goalkeepers today.”
The highlight of his Cheltenham days remains a Boxing Day derby win against Gloucester City, in front of a 3,108-strong crowd. “Moments like that taught me to thrive under pressure and prepared me for a long career in football.”
Now 49, Cutler has returned to Whaddon Road multiple times, witnessing the club’s growth with pride. “Cheltenham will always have a special place in my heart. It’s great to see how much the club has progressed, and I hope it continues to flourish.”