James looking beyond 2010 March 25 2008
David James sees no reason why he cannot carry on in goal for England right through to the 2010 World Cup - and even beyond.
The Portsmouth goalkeeper, capped 37 times, thought he may never get the chance to pull on the international jersey again after being left out in the cold by former head coach Steve McClaren.
However, James was between the posts again at Wembley for Fabio Capello's opening game in charge against Switzerland last month, and intends to do all he can to stay first choice for his country as the squad prepares for Wednesday's friendly with France in Paris.
It has, though, been a long and often difficult learning curve for the 37-year-old, who has found himself reborn at Fratton Park under Harry Redknapp following spells with Aston Villa, West Ham and Manchester City after the end of his troubled seven-year stint with Liverpool in 1999.
James - who once put his poor form down to hours spent playing video games - believes he is stronger for the experience, and has no intentions of hanging up his gloves just yet.
"It is a personal triumph to still be involved with so many decent English keepers about," he said.
"The strength in depth is really good - just look at the players we've called up in Robert Green and Paul Robinson, because of unfortunate injuries to Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson, and you can see that it's looking good, so I'm pleased to be in the squad.
"I don't like using age as a factor, but it is there and it is relevant."
James insisted: "I am here so I can stake a claim for a place in the qualifiers, and to be involved in 2010.
"It would not be worth England's while for me to be involved for five minutes then let someone else come in.
"I have got a contract with Portsmouth beyond 2010 so that is all the insurance I need to go on and play for England."
James feels he can remain competitive within the England set-up en route towards the next World Cup, which would take him close to his 40th birthday.
"If I didn't feel I could do it, I wouldn't be here," the veteran stopper declared. "I am happy, a different person to what I was 10 years ago - and I am enjoying it.
"I am not going to get worried about losing games if I can't do much about it. I spent years and years not being happy about football.
"It was a strive for perfection and that's an impossible dream. I would be playing games, winning 3-1 and being in a strop because I let in a penalty.
"It's not the right way to go, it is not healthy."