The Pompey stopper, capped 37 times, thought he may never get the chance to pull on the international jersey again after being left out by former England head coach Steve McClaren.

However, James was between the posts again at Wembley for Fabio Capello's opening match in charge against Switzerland last month, and he intends to do all he can to stay first choice for his country for years to come.

The 37-year-old said: "I am here so I can stake a claim for a place in the qualifiers, and to be involved in 2010.

"It would not be worth England's while for me to be involved for five minutes then let someone else come in. I have got a contract with Portsmouth beyond 2010 so that is all the insurance I need to go on and play for England.

"It is a personal triumph to still be involved with so many decent English keepers about.

"The strength in depth is really good - just look at the players we've called up in Robert Green and Paul Robinson, because of unfortunate injuries to Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson, and you can see that it's looking good, so I'm pleased to be in the squad.

"If I didn't feel I could do it, I wouldn't be here."