James was overlooked for England's opening World Cup match

England goalkeeper David James says Fabio Capello's decision to keep his distance from the squad at the World Cup was the right approach.

Capello was criticised for his failure to communicate with the players during England's ill-fated South African campaign but James backs his style.

"There was hardly a word said between us, which is fine. I like the way he operates," James told BBC Radio 5 live.

"The guy in authority has to have his distance," he added.

Since James's England debut in 1997, seven different managers have taken charge of England, and the much-travelled Bristol City keeper has also worked under numerous different managers in his club career.

Despite his vast experience - he has earned 53 caps - he was overlooked for England's opening game at the World Cup against the United States, where a mistake by his replacement Robert Green gifted the opposition's Clint Dempsey a goal.

James was subsequently restored to the first-choice position for the rest of England's World Cup campaign, which ended in a 4-1 drubbing by Germany in the last 16.

Despite that disappointment, the 40-year-old prefers managers who do not try to make friends with their players.

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"I've had managers who want to be hands-on to the point where they want to get involved in a game of cards," added James. "And you think: how can you show such friendly traits towards some players? It can only upset others."

Listen to a full interview with David James on BBC Radio 5 live Sport from 1900 GMT on Wednesday.

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