James: Time Is Right For Op

By Danny Wright

David James says his shoulder operation is happening at the right time, despite the surgery ruling him out of two England matches.

Fabio Capello’s side tackle Kazakhstan and Andorra next month in World Cup qualifiers, games James will miss.

The Portsmouth keeper requires an operation to clear up a long-standing shoulder injury that he has been carrying for 18-months.

The problem has ruled him out of Pompey’s final league game against Wigan on Sunday.

The 38-year-old was also absent for Monday night’s 3-1 win over Sunderland at Fratton Park, with Asmir Begovic deputising.

And despite the goalkeeping headache now presented to the England manager, James says he has made the right choice to go under the knife now.

“I’ll miss a couple of World Cup matches, but it’s a good time to have the operation,” James told Sky Sports News.

“I always trust that England can do well – even without me! It’s something I’ve had for about 18 months, but I’ve been able to play with it.”

James is now hoping he can use the close season to return to full fitness.