David James is poised to win his 10th cap at Villa Park but all of those appearances have been in friendly internationals since he made his debut six years ago. He will be using the Portugal match this Saturday as the stage to push for his first competitive appearance.

He had to endure a frustrating World Cup as effectively the third goalkeeper behind David Seaman and Nigel Martyn in Japan and South Korea.

Now the number one jersey could soon be up for grabs with David Seaman, who has not been named in the squad to face Portugal, approaching his 39th birthday.

And West Ham star James is aware a convincing performance this weekend will greatly enhance his chances of playing in the opening European Championship qualifier in Slovakia next month.

James told PA Sport: "My ultimate goal this season is to play in a qualifier. I've had nine caps but they've all been in friendlies and I don't know if people remember too many friendlies.

"The qualifiers are the ones that really matter and if I do well on Saturday then it is going to help my cause. I think prior to the World Cup the team was basically already there and in some of the friendlies then I think they were used, in the best possible sense, as run-outs rather than games for decision-making.

"The crucial games are the qualifiers but, as far as the gaffer is concerned, the only way he is going to choose his team is by looking at people in these circumstances. This has definitely got to be considered as an influential game towards the Slovakian game next month.''

James was in the starting line-up in Eriksson's first game in charge - also at Villa Park against Spain 18 months ago when England triumphed 3-0. James said: "It was an opportunity for me last time but unfortunately the following league game was not the best one I've had so any sort of headway I made I promptly lost.

"This is a chance. I've seen press reports from Mr Eriksson regarding David Seaman and it is encouraging for me. ``He has not said anything bad about David at all but it is encouraging for me that I've got a chance.

"Things can happen. You saw Trevor Sinclair in the World Cup, one minute he was sent home and then he ended up playing four or five games. That sort of thing is an inspiration for anyone."

James is looking to continue the form he displayed in his first season for West Ham and he admits to serving a long apprenticeship since first making his mark with Watford under Graham Taylor. But at 32 he is certainly not resting on his laurels.

He said: "I was very happy with my form last season and I know I can do better than that. The crisis time in a career is when you know you can't do any better. But I'm 32 and there's a lot to learn and always will be."