The fitness of David James has received recognition from across the Atlantic thi

The fitness of David James has received recognition from across the Atlantic this week, and the England goalkeeper has accepted an invitation to train with one of the biggest football clubs in the USA.

But this is football American style, and the team is NFL giants, the Miami Dolphins.

Next Tuesday, James will touchdown in Florida to visit the training camp where he will try out against some of the biggest and best stars the NFL has to offer.

The West Ham stopper will learn about the physiological and mental techniques used in the NFL as their athletes aim for the peak of their fitness and achieve supreme levels of performance. James will also have his overall fitness assessed as he trains with the Dolphins' players in three different positions - Quarterback, Wide Receiver and Kicker.

"I am delighted to have been invited - it's a great opportunity to learn about more about the sport, and put myself up against some of the best athletes in the world," said James, who has played in the last six consecutive games in goal for England and has helped Sven's men to achieve a run of five wins on the bounce.

"I was a fan in the 1980s and 90s and I can't wait to see players like Ricky Williams going through their paces, and seeing how I stack up against him."

"American Football has always shown the way forward in terms of conditioning and performance and I am keen to apply any tips or insights that I can gain for my career as a professional footballer."

Regarded as one of the best trainers in the entire England squad, the 32-year old puts himself through one of the most rigourous training regimes and during the World Cup 12 months ago, despite not playing, he impressed everyone in the England camp with his attitude as he kept himself in a fine condition.

West Ham United's sports science consultant Alan Pearson said, "David is currently capable of kicking a football the length of a pitch, and throwing with accuracy and power over distances in excess of 45 metres.

"His 6-5 frame has an extremely low body fat ratio of around 8%, and is capable of propelling him from the ground into the air with tremendous explosive acceleration.

"This is a great opportunity for David to build his profile as an athlete in the US."

Tony Allen, Director of Game Development for the NFL in Europe, added: "David is exactly the kind of European sports star who we feel has the all-round athleticism and ability to hold his own in the NFL.

"It will be interesting to see him being put through his paces. As we step up our search for European athletes who can develop into potential NFL players, we are excited about the Dolphins giving us the opportunity to showcase a sportsman of his physical ability in an NFL environment."

David James Stats 

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Welwyn
Date of Birth: 1 August 1970
Weight: 14 02
Height:  6' 5''
Club: West Ham United
Position: Goalkeeper