Source: Team_Talk
Capello knows his number one - James
David James believes Fabio Capello already knows who his number one goalkeeper will be for the opening World Cup game against the USA.[LNB] James, Robert Green and Joe Hart are vying to get the nod from Capello in a mixture of experience and youth.[LNB]Thirty-nine-year-old James won his 50th cap against Japan in Graz on Sunday in what was his first international start for 13 months.[LNB]Green has started eight of the past 11 internationals since James was initially laid low by injury after being the first choice during the initial part of Capello's reign.[LNB]But Hart has also impressed, during a successful loan season with Birmingham and when given 45 minutes action in each of the two friendly internationals with Mexico and Japan.[LNB]James has a glint in his eye and cannot resist breaking out into a broad smile when asked about the goalkeeping position.[LNB]But it is a different scenario for England to be heading into a major tournament with the goalkeeping slot apparently wide open compared.[LNB]It is in contrast to David Seaman and Paul Robinson being virtually automatic first choices in recent finals.[LNB]James said: "Is it the most open in terms of who will be goalkeeper? Possibly. I don't know.[LNB]"I believe the manager already knows. I really believe he does.[LNB]"Do I know? Even if I did, I wouldn't say. I just think he knows.[LNB]"He has given all of us a run-out in the two warm-up games with Mexico and Japan.[LNB]"But that was just to make sure everyone is right and had some game time for the tournament. There are no more friendlies now. That's it really."[LNB]James added: "Does my experience make it easier to cope with the uncertainty? Don't forget, I'm also quite experienced at being a number three with England.[LNB]"The main thing is I've got the utmost confidence in the way we are going to set up for the World Cup.[LNB]"That is the case, be it the starting keeper or starting centre-half - but, whoever is not starting, will also be well prepared.[LNB]"For the size of the squad, 23, there could be opportunities for anyone in there.[LNB]"One of Mr Capello's skills is making sure everyone is right and ready so it should be interesting."[LNB]England needed two own goals to overcome Japan in their final international before facing USA.[LNB]But James felt the overall performance was acceptable enough in the context of the bigger picture for what lies ahead in South Africa.[LNB]He said: "It was a good win. The first half, going a goal down, wasn't ideal but other than the corner and the goal they didn't have much of a threat in the first half.[LNB]"In the second half we opened up a lot more, created a lot of chances, the keeper has made some decent saves and in the end we've won by two own goals.[LNB]"In reality, the keeper has done well enough and the fact we created enough chances in the game should be a very positive thing to take from it."
