Agreed,

Said it many times before, and no doubt many times again... David James is not the keeper for the England No 1 shirt, he has shown levels of inconsistency for many seasons now yet still gets the nod ahead of anyone else!!??

Quote Originally Posted by SkySports News
David James has confessed that he did not prepare himself properly after coming on as substitute goalkeeper for England in the 4-1 defeat to Denmark on Wednesday.

James came on for Paul Robinson at half time with the game goal-less but a mistake for the opener, and some patchy moments throughout the second half has once again called into question his place in the England squad.

The Manchester City goalkeeper admitted his failure to prepare properly for the match, believing he can 'get away' with a poor performance because it was a friendly match.

"You should prepare to play," said James. "The watchwords are practice, practice, practice. For once I didn't adhere to that and everyone saw the result.

"Because I knew I wasn't going to start, for once I didn't do my starting preparations.

"The whole thing about preparation is that you could go on in the first minute. It is a lesson I try to teach youngsters and it is one I should follow through myself.

"Maybe I can get away with this one because it is a friendly and has no bearing on qualification.

"But I am representing England and I should have paid more attention. There were things I did which I will make totally sure I never do again."

James insists that he will not let the mistakes haunt his club form for City.

"I am very confident in the way I am playing," he added.

"My form for Manchester City has been very good, so I am not going to lose my head over one performance.

"I am obviously not happy that I let any goals in, let alone four and I know my performance will come under scrutiny and people will question my international career.

"But that is part of the goalkeepers' lot. Unfortunately, I have been there before.

"The fans have come a long way to support the team.

"They want to see us win. There were a few choice words said which weren't necessarily needed. But I say things when I watch football matches, so I am not going to criticise the fans for showing their feelings."



The problem we face, is that we (as a Nation), don't really have any one keeper that stands out from anyone else, that you could categorize as 'World Class' status.

Don't think Robert Green would be that great for England, but is worth the chance to prove what he can do at least... lets face it, we can't really get much worse (as far as the goalkeeper goes)... Nigel Martyn is way past his best as is Ian Walker as well, Richard Wright has flopped since the days he was at Ipswich, Scott Carson? Nah not a chance, not yet anyway, is no way playing the standard needed for international appearances.

Which only really leaves two choices left which I personally think are the best choices... Paul Robinson - has already proved the level he can play at, and is still young so has the opportunity to be much better... a tip for the future... and... Chris Kirkland (through the Coventry youth system :P :P - heh) - Is an amazing goalkeeper, don't care what anyone says - shame he was snapped up from Coventry by Liverpool as has never really been able to fight for the number 1 shirt at The Cop due to being plagued by injury - now that he seems to have got past the injury nightmares, is currently out on loan to West Brom and looks like he is back to his best with an amazing performance against Man City on the opening day of the season with a string of fine saves deservedly earning the man of the match award... One to watch now this season!!!

Sort it ouuuut Sven! :P