James wary of competition

England keeper determined to maintain form

Last updated: 12th August 2008

David James England training

James: Capello's No.1

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David James is wary of resting on his laurels as he looks to remain England boss Fabio Capello's first-choice goalkeeper.

James has demonstrated consistent form for his club Portsmouth over the last two seasons and has started England's four games under Capello.

However, the 38-year-old faces competition ahead of the forthcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers with the likes of Robert Green, Joe Hart, Scott Carson and Paul Robinson all likely to push for starting roles.

James, though, is eyeing another excellent campaign after beginning the new term with a clean sheet in Sunday's Community Shield, which Manchester United won on penalties.

Benchmark

"Personally, I think last season and the season before I laid down benchmarks but I have to look for improvement," he said.

"I watched City recently against AC Milan and saw Joe Hart in good form. Capello has to be happy with the state of English goalkeepers.

"I sat down with our goalkeeping coach David Coles a couple of days ago and we had a good chat about how pre-season was going.

"I said to him then that I feel good. There were a few things early on against Manchester United which weren't great but I am on the road to improvement and it was nice for 90 minutes to hold out."