James - No Green envy

Portsmouth goalkeeper targets World Cup glory

Last updated: 6th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

James - No Green envy

Rivals: Green keeps an eye on James in training

I am part of a squad - it is not a David James game. When the squad is successful, it is not a problem. I can deal with it.

David James.
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David James has admitted Robert Green deserves his position as England's No.1 with the World Cup finals looming large on the horizon.

The West Ham goalkeeper appears to have forced himself to the front of a pecking order which also includes Portsmouth custodian James and Joe Hart, who is on loan at Birmingham from Manchester City.

Green played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday's 3-1 friendly victory over Egypt at Wembley as Fabio Capello utilised what appears to be his strongest possible options against the African Cup of Nations holders.

And James, who started out as the Italian's first choice before slipping out of the reckoning due to injury, has few complaints about the Hammers man getting the nod.

He told the Daily Mirror: "Aside from the Ukraine game, Greenie has not been on a losing side and that was when he got sent off. Things work.

"I am part of a squad - it is not a David James game. When the squad is successful, it is not a problem. I can deal with it.

Lifted

"I have had a conversation with him (Capello). It is important I am playing games so I give myself the opportunity to perform the best I can.

"When I am playing my best, I like myself, of course. If it is not me playing the game, at least I will be ready mentally and physically to step in and do what needs to be done."

James would, of course, prefer to be the Three Lions' last line of defence when they target global glory in South Africa, but he insists that bringing the trophy home must take precedence over his personal ambitions.

He added: "As far as playing in the World Cup, I want to do it. I don't want to go as a substitute but, at the same time, I want England to be successful over my personal wants. English football needs victory.

"There is a selfish side to me that wants to get up the steps first and pick up the World Cup. But the reality is that the World Cup being lifted is the most important thing.

"I went on the bench for one game and then I was on the bench behind a different person the following game, which kind of meant I was No.3 twice - I don't know how I went from No.2 to No.3, but whatever."