Up for it: Senior England players believe David James is a better No 1 than rivals Joe hart and Robert GreenDavid James has declared himself fit and has the backing of England’s players as the battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey in Saturday’s World Cup opener against the United States intensifies.
While Fabio Capello is determined to delay a decision on whether to go with James, Robert Green or Joe Hart for as long as possible, Sportsmail understands that key players favour the 39-year-old Portsmouth keeper for his experience, his distribution and his communication skills.
After Monday night’s friendly against the Platinum Stars, Green appeared to be in pole position. He gave an assured performance in the second half, having seen Capello
berate Hart on three separate occasions for his poor distribution.
On Tuesday night, however, it still appeared to be a three-horse race, with Capello making a point of spending time watching his goalkeepers in action in training.
There has been concern for James over a slight knee problem that was blamed
for his omission on Monday.
But James believes he is ready and if Capello can be persuaded of the same, he
could yet make a late run for the spot against the Americans. The next three training sessions will be hugely important.
Monday’s match left Capello with much to ponder and there is also a fascinating duel
developing for the place on the left side of midfield.
Safe hands: West Ham goalkeeper Green is thought to be in prime position to start against the USAHaving been the only player to start both the first half and the second at the Moruleng
Stadium, Joe Cole must have considered himself to be in pole position.
But James Milner impressed when he came on — he provided the cross from the
left wing that Wayne Rooney converted with a spectacular volley — and he has also
excelled in training.
Milner missed training on Tuesday because of illness but Capello, who once described him as ‘my future’, expects him back on Wednesday.
source: dailymail
