James eyes successful summer

Keeper happy playing squad role if England lift World Cup

Last updated: 12th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

James eyes successful summer

James: Eager to feature

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David James insists he would have no qualms not playing in South Africa this summer if England secured World Cup glory.

The Portsmouth keeper has been part of the Three Lions' 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads, but has never played a game in the tournament.

The 39-year-old has 49 caps to his name and is one of three keepers named in Capello's provisional squad for South Africa along with Joe Hart and Rob Green.

James is a strong candidate to be England's No.1, although he concedes he is happy watching from the sidelines again on the proviso they are successful.

He has found it hard being on the bench in the past only because he has been unable to contribute towards England's progression.

Feeling

"This is the beauty of the Capello regime," he told Sky Sports News. "You're not given the feeling you've failed by not playing.

"When the side is successful without you in it then it justifies the selection process.

"I think the hardest feeling for me in the two previous World Cups was not being on the field to stop the defeat.

"I'm not saying the individual in front of me is not good enough. I couldn't do anything to stop this defeat.

"So when you pack you're bags and you got home it's like well 'I haven't done anything'. That's tough.

"So if the team go, they're successful and they win it and I don't play, I say 'Fine, happy days'."