David James insists he is fully fit and available to play in England’s second Group C game against Algeria on Friday (Eng 1/4, Alg 11/1, Draw 4/1 – 90 Minutes Betting).
Many had predicted that the Portsmouth shot-stopper would be Fabio Capello’s first choice at the World Cup because of his greater experience.
But the Italian decided to go with Robert Green against USA and the West Ham keeper was castigated for a calamitous error with led to America’s equaliser.
There had been suggestions that James was suffering with an injury and that’s why he played no part in Rustenburg, but the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man insists he is “fit and well”.
Reports have also claimed that the Pompey man had been unhappy at the way Capello delayed the decision to announce who would start between the posts and that he was left on the bench.
James has denied that though, saying: “I don’t have a problem with the selections. I am part of the squad.
“Rob hasn’t been on the losing side in a qualifying or competitive match. There are seven games and 23 players.”
Meanwhile, Green says the late team selection did not hamper his preparation for the 1-1 draw with the US.
Some pundits had claimed that Green was ill-prepared for the match, as he only found out that he was starting just two hours before kick-off.
But the Hammers custodian has rejected that his ‘late selection’ was an excuse for the error that cost the Three Lions (England 4/9 to win Group C) an opening game win.
Green stated: “Only knowing two hours before the game that you are playing is not a problem. You prepare as though you’re playing.
“If you don’t, that’s the mistake. The other guys prepared as though they were playing and we will again for Friday. You prepare for Friday as though you are playing again. It’s not a surprise when you are playing then.”
Green has called on Capello to give him a chance to redeem himself against Algeria, although the coach is expected to make a late decision once again.
Green added: “You want to be tested. Playing lovely football and making wonderful saves is not a challenge. This is a challenge and this is why you are a footballer.
“It’s how you bounce back from things like that.”
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