James backs Becks to shine
by Alex Lvie, 24 March 2008
David James feels David Beckham has secured a place in the England squad on merit.
Beckham is sat on 99 caps for his country and was left out of Fabio Capello’s first game in charge against Switzerland, as the Italian felt the LA Galaxy man was not match sharp.
The MLS season has not yet started and Beckham has played only pre-season friendlies, but Capello has seen fit to recall the former national captain.
Beckham is pushing to earn his 100th cap against France in Paris and James feels he has not been recalled for sentimental reasons.
“David is a world-class footballer with tremendous talent who has simply been doing what he has been doing for the last 10 or 15 years,” said the Portsmouth keeper.
"He deserves to be part of the set-up - it's a pleasure to have played alongside him.
"But David hasn't been brought in just to get his 100th cap - he is here to play and contribute and if he can stay fit then he has all the talent to do that."
James is also in the autumn of his career and he sees it as a personal triumph that he has been included by Capello.
"It's a personal triumph to still be involved with so many decent English keepers about, and the strength in depth is really good," said James.
"You look at the players we've called up (Robert Green and Paul Robinson have come in for injured duo Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson) and you can see that it's looking good, so I'm pleased to be in the squad.
"I'm here so I can stake a claim for a place in the qualifiers, and although the game against France isn't a qualifier it will still be very competitive and have an edge about it and that's a positive thing."