James: I can still play for England in the second tier

James Mariner
Monday 02 August 2010 00:00 BST
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David James has insisted he still has an international future, despite dropping down to the second tier of English football in moving to Bristol City.

The goalkeeper, who turned 40 yesterday, lost his England place to Rob Green at this summer's World Cup, only to be recalled after one match following the West Ham player's mistake against the US in Rustenburg.

"You could argue that playing in the Championship means that you automatically exlcude yourself from selection," James, who harbours hopes of adding to his 53 England caps in next week's friendly with Hungary, said. "I haven't changed as a goalkeeper over the summer. If my work has been good enough then that shouldn't exclude me from selection.

"I feel good in myself physically, feel good in myself mentally. The thought of retirement is far away. The experience of the World Cup gave me a new lease of life." James could make his Robins debut against Millwall this Saturday.

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