James still targets England recall

Everyone knows that David James is worthy of at least a place in the England squad, with more than a fair few - and not just Pompey fans - knowing he was the best English keeper in the league last season, so should have been 'England's number one'.

Even with this in mind most of us have come to accept that Steve McClaren has made his choice and will not go back on it, but James is refusing to give up hope and still harbours a recall - even if this is only to sit on the bench.

My thinking has always been that McClaren had made up his mind on James and Sol Campbell before they came to Pompey, so I still fully believe that playing for us has nothing to do with the fact they have been left out.

I could see why both had been left out and even understood Campbell's oversight, as England have plenty of central defenders to use - and he is not getting any younger. James may be almost 37 but this is not exactly old for a keeper and he is as fit and sprightly as ever - but most importantly as good as anyone.

David Beckham's recall after a year out has given James hope and although I fully believe he is worthy of a place I still think his time may have gone, although with Ben Foster injured, Scott Carson unlikely to be Liverpool's number one and Chris Kirkland injury prone so if he is picking 'first team regulars' he will still need someone other than Paul Robinson and Robert Green.

If he continues his form this season, with early indications that he will, with it possible that McClaren may even visit Fratton this season to cast his eye over David Nugent and even Matty Taylor and Gary O'Neil, it will be hard for him to miss James.

Whatever happens we will be hearing 'England's number one, England's, England's number one' sung about James for a few years yet.

PLAY UP POMPEY!