Almost three years since he last defended England’s goal, Portsmouth goalkeeper David James was called upon by England manager Fabio Capello to make his come back. He did well in England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland this week, and claims he still wants to be England’s number one goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa, providing England will qualify for the tournament.

He would be nearing his 40^th birthday by then so when asked about it, he said:

"Can I be number one at 2010 World Cup? Let's take one step at a time - but I want to be. The situation is simple. I've got a contract with Portsmouth which sees me through that World Cup."

He added: "Look at (former Italy goalkeeper) Dino Zoff who is a legend. He played in the World Cup as a 'keeper at 40 and won it at that age. Listen, if I had any intentions of not being in the position to play in two and a half years' time, then I would have told him (Capello) 'I don't fancy it.' But if I'm playing first team football in the Premier League with Portsmouth, then I'd put myself in a position where I could play first team football for England. The only thing that is going to stop me is better goalkeepers. There are some very good English 'keepers about at the moment who are playing particularly well in the Premier League and some are very young. For me, the best 'keeper plays for England. If it is me then it will be a case of 'happy days' but, if it is not me, then it won't be for the lack of trying."