Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
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James handed fitness warning

16 Nov 2009 - 08:58:40

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England manager Fabio Capello has said that he will not include David James in his squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa if the Portsmouth goalkeeper cannot prove his fitness.

The 39-year-old is unable to train for two days after playing a game due to a knee injury and has not started an international game since the 2-1 victory against Ukraine at Wembley in April.

Capello, who started with Ben Foster in goal for Saturday's friendly defeat to Brazil, confirmed his stance, saying: "Every time he plays, he can't train for two days afterwards.

"If he is fit, he will probably be with us (in South Africa). But if I choose the players they have to be fit - he has to be fit.

"I spoke with David James but he needs time (to recover) after every game. So we preferred that he stayed at home."

James had a shoulder operation during the summer but complications delayed his return and he is now struggling with a knee injury.