James makes international pledge

England goalkeeper James has won 48 international caps

England and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has insisted he will never retire from international football.

James will be nearly 40 years old when the World Cup finals are held in South Africa next summer.

But he told BBC Radio Solent: "I'll never give up on playing for my country, but there will come a point when some people will wish I would."

The 38-year-old has started every England match since coach Fabio Capello took charge of the team.

And he has played in all of Portsmouth's league games this season.

"As long as I'm fit and capable to play in the Premier League then I'll put myself forward for England selection and I think that's only right," James added.

Meanwhile, Pompey boss Paul Hart believes that James is the ultimate professional.

"He's been magnificent," he commented. "Working with him has proved to me that he's the best keeper in England. His appetite for work and his desire to be the best is undiminished."

James, who has also played for Watford, Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Manchester City, equalled Gary Speed's all-time Premier League record of 535 appearances when he played against Liverpool on 7 February.