‘Calamity’ James strikes

I KNOW it was a friendly but City’s David James is the face of England’s heaviest defeat since 1980 as the national team were toppled in Denmark.

A 4 – 1 defeat to the Danes in Copenhagen saw England concede three goals in seven minutes and then a fourth in injury time, with only a consolation goal from Rooney.

Losing a game is OK if you put some effort in and at least try, not sure you can say that about last night’s second half performance.

And unfortunately it is James who is sure to take all the stick as there is no doubt he was at fault for the first goal and from then on it was downhill all the way.

In his defence he was at least big enough to say that he was not mentally prepared, he told the BBC:

"You should prepare to play," he said. "The watchwords are practice, practice, practice. For once I didn't adhere to that and everyone saw the result.”

I was looking forward to following James as England prepared for the forthcoming qualification games for next year’s World Cup.

I hope I still can but I’m not sure we will see David James between the sticks for England again.

Comments

[Anthony O'Hagan]

Poor David James - lets face it the whole team weren't up to the job on Wednesday but of course it's normally the keeper who gets the blame.

I've always been of the view that David is a very good shot stopper but he's never so comfortable with the crosses.

However, all this negative publicity could ensure that Chris Kirkland who is currently on loan at West Brom gets a chance to secure his place in the England Team. As long as he keeps injury free of course!!