James To Miss England Dates

By Danny Wright

England could be without goalkeeper David James for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The veteran missed Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over Sunderland on Monday night, and will now undergo shoulder surgery.

The operation will rule him out of England’s matches against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

James revealed the injury had been something he’d “been carrying for 18 months.”

“I wanted to wait until Portsmouth were safe, but unfortunately the recuperation period is long,” James told BBC Solent. 

“I’m going to miss a couple of England games, which is unavoidable.”

The 38-year-old is now focusing on next season, and ensuring he is a part of Fabio Capello’s plans for the World Cup in South Africa.

He added: “It’s important I get back and start pre-season well and get myself in 100% shape for next season and be part of a successful England team.”