David James says England are confident of beating Germany over 90 minutes in Sunday's second-round clash but admits he will do homework on penalty-takers.

England have twice lost to Germany in shoot-outs at major tournaments - in the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 96.

"The intention is to win it in 90 minutes and I'm confident we will do what's needed," said goalkeeper James.

"If it goes to penalties there's an opportunity for Germany to miss. The key issue is homework."

The Portsmouth keeper has kept two clean sheets since replacing Robert Green after the West Ham man's handling error cost England a goal in their 1-1 draw with the United States.

1966 - England win World Cup

The Germans have never been beaten in a shoot-out, in contrast to England's campaigns at Euro 2004 and the last World Cup, which ended in penalty defeats - both at the hands of Portugal.

But James is adamant that if it comes to spot-kicks, he will be prepared. "We've had videos on penalty takers from the three sides we've played already," he explained.

"We'll do our homework on as many of their penalty-takers as we can.

"At Euro 2004 in Portugal, I think it has been documented we did not have access to as much information as we could have done, so it is a homework issue and I'm confident we have got that right this time."

Defoe puts England ahead against Slovenia

Despite the two countries' history on the football field, James, 39, was quick to play down the significance of facing Germany and insisted the England players would remain focused.

"It's another football match," he stated. "Obviously there will be a lot of external and historic references but if we get carried away with the fact that it is Germany and the historic aspect, that might be detrimental to our performance."

Every time England have faced Germany in the knock-out stages at the World Cup the game has gone to extra-time or penalties.

In 1966 England were 4-2 victors, winning the World Cup after extra-time, while in 1970 West Germany won 3-2 after extra-time in the quarter-final.

And at Italia 90, Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed penalties for England as Bobby Robson's side were knocked out by West Germany in the World Cup semi-final.

West Germany end England's hopes in 1970

But James hailed the the spirit in the England camp and said they would also be able to look back on England's 2-1 win in Berlin in the countries' most recent encounter, in November 2008.

"Germany are a decent outfit but we have got the confidence of having gone to Berlin a couple of years ago and beaten them 2-1," explained James.

"For us as a squad it is about 23 men and their strengths and weaknesses."

Coach Fabio Capello told BBC Sport the entire 23-man squad took a full part in training on Friday as they stepped up their preparations for Sunday's match.

That raises the prospect of Ledley King returning to the fold after a groin injury forced him off at half-time against the US, although Matthew Upson is expected to continue at centre-back alongside John Terry, with Jamie Carragher also available again after serving a one-match suspension.

Wayne Rooney is also set to be fit after shaking off the ankle injury that caused him to be substituted after 72 minutes against Slovenia.

"All the players trained. Everyone is fit to play," Capello said. "It is a good feeling because if they trained they are fit to play."

RECENT COMPETITIVE MEETINGS WORLD CUP 1990: England 1-1 West Germany AET (3-4 on pens) EURO 1996: England 1-1 Germany AET (5-6 on pens) EURO 2000: England 1-0 Germany 2000 (WC qualifier):England 0-1 Germany 2001 (WC qualifier): Germany 1-5 England

Victory over Germany on Sunday would potentially set up a quarter-final meeting with Diego Maradona's Argentina side, a game which would also carry historic significance.

"If you look at the potential road to the final...the idea of beating Germany is romantic, and it's an achievable goal which we are confident we can do, we are not wayward underdogs," said James.

"And it will bring on another match which will have its own historical significance."

Meanwhile, the referee for England's game on Sunday has been confirmed as Uruguayan Jorge Larrionda.

And the World Cup's local organising committee have said it is confident that Bloemfontein will be able to cope with all aspects of hosting the last 16 match.

Concerns have been raised over the potential for trouble between rival sets of supporters, and the fact that one of the smaller venues, with less space for fans to disperse, is playing host rather than a larger city like Johannesburg or Cape Town has also been raised as a potential problem.

But LOC spokesman Jermaine Craig said: "I have no concerns at all, we have seen fans coming into this World Cup and enjoying it in the right spirit. I am confident that the right security measures will be in place and that this tournament will be all about football, nothing else."

1990 - Germany win on penalties

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