FIFA World Cup™ Germany 2006 player's profile

The Manchester City goalkeeper was initially seen as England’s successor to David Seaman, whose last international match was in October 2002.
However, James lost his place to Paul Robinson after two years as first choice and only played in the opening match of the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

James was an England squad member at the 2002 FIFA World Cup but did not see any action and although guaranteed to be selected for the 2006 tournament, he is unlikely to play if Robinson remains fit.

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UEFA EURO 2004™ player's profile

One of the finest shot-stoppers in the English game, the athletic David James has worked tirelessly on his handling, crossing and distribution to finally emerge as England's No1 goalkeeper.

National team
James won his first England cap against Mexico in a 2-0 Wembley win in 1997 but did not become a squad regular until Sven-Göran Eriksson succeeded Kevin Keegan as manager. He did not play in any of the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers nor at Korea/Japan due to the presence of David Seaman.

UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying
James profited from Eriksson's decision not to select David Seaman after the home draw with F.Y.R Macedonia and kept goal for the remaining six qualifiers, keeping a clean sheet in the decisive trip to Istanbul last October.

Club
He began his first-team career with Watford FC in 1990/91, making nearly 100 appearances at Vicarage Road. Liverpool FC were impressed enough to spend €1.6m on his services in July 1992, but his spell at Anfield coincided with a downturn in fortunes for the Merseyside club. He was criticised for some high-profile mistakes yet still played in excess of 200 games and was England's goalkeeper of the year in 1995/96, the year Liverpool lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United FC.

1999: He moved on to Aston Villa FC for €2.8m in June 1999 and lost a second FA Cup final as the Midlands club fell to Chelsea FC.

2001: After two seasons, he joined West Ham United FC and finished seventh in his first season. However, his continued good form could not keep West Ham in the Premiership and they were relegated in May 2003.

2003/04: In January 2004 he signed for Manchester City FC in a €2.9m deal to replace the retiring Seaman. Only two critical penalty saves late in the season ensured his side maintained their Premiership status.

Did you know?
A keen artist, James is known for his ever-changing hairstyle and has tried his hand at modelling - appearing on billboards for Armani.

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BBC's UEFA EURO 2004 player's profile

Occupies the number one jersey, having taken over from David Seaman for both country and club.

James moved from West Ham to Manchester City in January to fill the void left by Seaman's retirement.

And the switch also saw his return to Premiership football after the Hammers were relegated to Division One at the end of the 2003/2004 season.

He produced steady displays against both Macedonia and Liechtenstein despite playing behind an uncertain defence.

His fabulous late save in the crucial win against Turkey at the Stadium of Light last season lingers in the memory.

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