James to fight for England return

David James of England in action during training before the friendly match between the USA and England in Chicago, 2005. James said he would fight to return to the England set-up after his rejuvenating first season at Portsmouth.

Goalkeeper David James on Thursday said he would fight to return to the England set-up after his rejuvenating first season at Portsmouth.

James, 36, played a key role in Portsmouth's drive to ninth in the Premier League and was in electric form in the Asia Trophy win over Fulham.

"The England selection process is beyond my control -- all I can do is keep giving the same level of performance and improving," he said.

"If I'm enthusiastic and fight there's no way I shouldn't be playing if the opportunity arises. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity.

"If the opportunity doesn't arise Portsmouth are still going to benefit from my playing well."

The former Liverpool stopper has 34 international caps but has not played for England since the 4-1 friendly defeat to Denmark in 2005, although he was second-choice 'keeper behind Paul Robinson for last year's World Cup.

Portsmouth will meet Liverpool in the Asia Trophy final on Friday.