England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

James happy as back-up

10 Sep 2007 - 14:38:11

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Portsmouth goalkeeper David James says he is more than happy to be back in the England squad, despite not featuring in the 3-0 win over Israel at the weekend.

The 37-year-old had been widely tipped to start against Israel, but had to watch on as head coach Steve McClaren stuck by Tottenham Hotspur's Paul Robinson.

That didn't seem to worry James too much, as he told his club's official website: "I was highly delighted to be recalled to the England squad in the first place and if I feature in future games, then happy days.

"But so long as we keep getting the results and get to the finals, it doesn't really matter what individuals are out there on the pitch.

"I'll just do my very best to keep performing and let the manager know I'm around if needed."

James featured as a substitute in the 2-1 friendly defeat by Germany late last month, having been out of the England picture in the previous 12 months.