Portsmouth Football Club News

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

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

James wins Redknapp vote

06 Feb 2008 - 10:19:37

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has backed David James to reclaim the England goalkeeping jersey for the foreseeable future.

The 37-year-old Pompey keeper is expected to start Fabio Capello's first game in charge of England against Switzerland in a friendly on Wednesday.

And Redknapp believes the veteran former Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham keeper can play on at international level for many years to come.

"He's a superb goalie and, no disrespect to the other keepers, he should be in," he said.

"He's top man and he's been absolutely brilliant for me. I don't think there's anyone that comes near him now.

"He's the best goalkeeper in the country and he would definitely be my England number one."

Redknapp also believes James can mirror the accomplishments of Capello's compatriot Dino Zoff, who captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982 when aged 40.

"He might be 37, but Capello would remember Dino Zoff winning the World Cup at 40. Jamo will play on until he's 40-odd," he continued.

"He was out there the other morning in training and I've never seen anything like it. He was just unbelievable. He destroyed all the strikers."