James Not Making Up The Numbers

From Vital England:

David James insists that he is continuing to make himself available for England as he believes that he is still more than capable of being the no.1 for his country and he is not 'hanging on', something he says England do not need, to be there to make up the numbers.

If the Pompey keeper did not feel he was capable of reclaiming the no.1 spot he would not carry on playing, as he told sky sports news, although he did admit that he is happy to simply be back in the squad having missed recent games: 'England don't need anyone to be hanging on or dragging behind. If I didn't think I could offer a very decent performance, I wouldn't put myself forward.

'I'm in the squad so I have a chance to play, but obviously the manager will be the one who decides who starts on Saturday.

'For me personally it's just great to get back in the squad. The needs of the team and the outcome being positive is all that matters. I want to be the one that starts, of course, but if I'm not starting and the team wins, happy days.'

I know that the veteran sets very high levels for himself, so as James himself said, if he did not feel he was capable of carrying on at the very highest level for club and country he would not!

As it is, and this is not with my Pompey blinkers on, I still believe that he is the best English keeper around and would be my no.1 at the world cup without a doubt...

Full article: England - James confident of reclaiming no.1 shirt.