James: Must prove fitness
England coach Fabio Capello has reiterated his warning to David James that he must prove his fitness in order to secure a World Cup spot.
Portsmouth goalkeeper James is perceived as Capello's first choice between the posts, but he has not started for England since facing Ukraine at home in a World Cup qualifier in April.
His sole international appearance this season came as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat in Ukraine last month after Robert Green had been sent off.
James was left out of the squad which lost to Brazil in Qatar at the weekend to rest a knee injury which prevents the 39-year-old from training for two days after a match.
And Capello is insistent that, while he is likely to include James in his squad for the World Cup next summer, he will not take any risks with the keeper's fitness.
"I spoke with David James, but he needs time (to recover) after every game," said Capello.
"Every time he plays, he can't train for two days afterwards, so we preferred that he stayed at home.
"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."
Meanwhile, Capello praised the performance of James Milner in the friendly loss to Brazil after the Aston Villa man was deployed on the left of midfield.
"James Milner is improving," said Capello.
"Maicon is one of the best right-backs in the world. He is very fast. He is a good defender and when he goes forward he is really dangerous.
"But Milner played well. He is a good player too."
World Cup 2010 Win Outright: Brazil 9/2
Beckham - Henry isn't a cheat
Redknapp bemoans Modric absence
Ancelotti coy on Aguero
Pompey may lose Algerian pair
Pulis - Technology is needed
Robinho close to return
Hodgson sympathetic for Duff
Brown discusses Ireland game
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 21st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Liverpool vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Birmingham vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Burnley vs Aston Villa |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Wolverhampton |
| 15:00 | Hull vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs Arsenal |
| 17:30 | Man Utd vs Everton |
| Sunday 22nd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Bolton vs Blackburn |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Wigan |
| 16:00 | Stoke vs Portsmouth |
| Wednesday 25th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Hull vs Everton |
| 20:00 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| Saturday 28th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Burnley |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Sunderland |
| 17:30 | Aston Villa vs Tottenham |
| Sunday 29th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:00 | Wolverhampton vs Birmingham |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Monday 9th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Liverpool 2 - 2 Birmingham | |
| Sunday 8th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Hull 2 - 1 Stoke | |
| Wigan 1 - 1 Fulham | |
| Chelsea 1 - 0 Man Utd | |
| West Ham 1 - 2 Everton | |
| Saturday 7th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Aston Villa 5 - 1 Bolton | |
| Blackburn 3 - 1 Portsmouth | |
| Tottenham 2 - 0 Sunderland | |
| Wolverhampton 1 - 4 Arsenal | |
| Man City 3 - 3 Burnley | |
| Wednesday 4th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Sunday 1st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Birmingham 0 - 0 Man City | |
| Saturday 31st October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Tottenham | |
| Everton 1 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Fulham 3 - 1 Liverpool | |
| Burnley 2 - 0 Hull | |
| Stoke 2 - 2 Wolverhampton | |
| Portsmouth 4 - 0 Wigan | |
| Man Utd 2 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Sunderland 2 - 2 West Ham | |
David Ginola told Sky Sports News that French supporters are appalled by their World Cup play-off win.
Paul Merson can't separate Bolton and Blackburn - but thinks Stoke will see off Portsmouth.
The French Football Federation have refused to back the Football Association of Ireland's call to replay their World Cup play-off.
The FAI have launched a fresh plea with their French counterparts to agree to a replay of their controversial play-off match.
Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane has joined French captain Thierry Henry in calling for a replay of their World Cup qualifier.
Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will not quit football over the Thierry Henry handball controversy.
The Premier League recommences on Saturday lunchtime as Rafa Benitez's Liverpool go head-to-head with Manchester City at Anfield.