James gets chance to repair reputation

England's goal keeper David James is beaten by the last kick of the match, a penalty by Vincenzo Montella (R) to win the match for Italy 2-1, 27 March 2002 in a friendly soccer match at Elland Road Stadium in Leeds.

David James was touted as one of the finest goalkeeping prospects in England when playing for second division Watford in the early 90's but he has had to suffer a barrage of criticism in recent years before finally establishing himself as the England number one.

In fact after a dream move to Liverpool in 1992, his careless mistakes for the Anfield outfit led many pundits to write him off completely before he finally picked himself up and became a replacement for Bruce Grobbelaar.

West Ham goal keeper David James (R) saves, watched by Chelsea's Mario Stanic 20 January 2002, during their Premiership soccer match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won the match 5-1. AFP PHOTO GERRY PENNY

Now with the retirement of David Seaman, James is Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice between the posts and the lanky, handsome custodian has also replaced Seaman at Manchester City after a transfer from West Ham in January, 2004.

James is extremely agile and capable of spectacular saves when a goal looks the likelier possibility as was the case in England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey when he brilliantly tipped over a scorching header from Nihat. England won the match 2-0 in Sunderland and went on to win the group.

Following seven topsy-turvy years with Liverpool, his only trophy the League Cup in 1995, he signed with Aston Villa in 1999 to replace Mark Bosnich who was on his way to Manchester United.

England number one

James turned in steadier and more consistent performances away from the spotlight at Liverpool as he began to repair his reputation and rid himself of the unwanted nickname 'Calamity James'.

England soccer captain David Beckham (L) watches goal keeper David James (R) being introduced, as they model the English national soccer team's new away kit in west London, 11 February 2002. The new jersey , in classic vermillion red, is the first in international soccer to be fully reversible, with a dark navy blue design on the inside, and will be worn for the first time on 27 March in a friendly match against Italy. AFP PHOTO / Odd ANDERSEN

Most of his first season was wrecked by injury at Villa Park, but he came back to play the hero in a penalty shootout against Bolton in the FA Cup semi-finals.

English David James walks past a giant English flag during their training session at Tsuna, on the island of Awaji near the port city of Kobe 29 May 2002. England will spend the week training before their first match against Sweden 02 June in Group F. AFP PHOTO - WILLIAM WEST

Although he made his debut for England in 1997 under Glenn Hoddle, he was not part of the 1998 World Cup team, nor did he feature at Euro 2000, in part due to a dreadful mistake that led to Chelsea's 1-0 win in the 2000 FA Cup final.

Three seasons with Villa were neither spectacular nor disappointing but he got himself in hot water with the management for criticising the club's ambition and eventually signed with West Ham in 2001.

He went to the 2002 World Cup as cover for Seaman but is now seen as Eriksson's choice for security at the back as he tries to make the job permanent.

Will also be relieved to back in the Premiership with City after West Ham were relegated in 2003.