Redknapp backs under-fire James

Portsmouth manager defends goalkeeper

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th March 2008

redknapp harry

Redknapp: Supporting James

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Harry Redknapp has defended David James after the England goalkeeper was criticised for conceding a penalty against France.

James brought down Nicolas Anelka in the first half at Stade de France and could not keep out Franck Ribery's spot-kick.

Portsmouth manager Redknapp does not believe James could have done much differently and has urged fans not to point the finger of blame.

Redknapp insists that even if James did make a mistake he still remains a good enough goalkeeper to play for England.

"It's a difficult one. He's been left high and dry with a striker coming in one on one," Redknapp said on Sky Sports News.

"He's come out and Anelka's taken it past him. I don't know what else he could have done.

"It's easy to look at the morning after and say he should have done this or he should have done that, but Jamo's fantastic. He's different class. He's the best around.

"He's been in this morning and trained for two hours. He's an unbelievable professional."

Hope for Defoe

Pompey striker Jermain Defoe was left out of Fabio Capello's final 23-man squad for the match in Paris despite his stunning club form.

Redknapp does not think Defoe should be too despondent and has urged both him and James to respond in the right way on the pitch.

He said: "Jermain's a terrific player and he's in great form. He's come in and scored six goals for us in six games.

"I would push his case because I wouldn't have bought him if I didn't think he was top class.

"But it's up to the manager. He played with one striker last night and I've never played Jermain up on his own, so maybe he didn't suit the system.

"So long as the players keep playing well for me and keep getting themselves in the frame to be picked for England, it's great."