17 August 2005
Post-Match: David James
England goalkeeper David James speaks after the 4-1 defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen.

Although things didn't go well against Denmark, England goalkeeper David James believes that he will bounce back in time for the World Cup qualifiers in September.

After the match, James said: "The purpose of a friendly is to get positives out of it. It would obviously have been nice if we’d won but I think there were a few good things to take out for the forthcoming qualifying games.

"It’s a friendly and had we won everyone would have been happy but ultimately the wins have to be in the qualifiers and we’re more than confident our team’s capable of doing that so it’s disappointing that we’ve lost but there are positives to take out of it."

James came on as a half-time substitute for Paul Robinson, to earn his 33rd cap but 15 minutes later he couldn't prevent Dennis Rommedahl from opening the scoring for the home side.

"I felt I wasn’t sharp enough to start with, which is something I’ll look at, but I think the positives are that in the first half we had opportunities, created a few good chances, and obviously the goal was well constructed," James said.

"I’m 35 years old I should be ready. Unfortunately there was a bit of fortune in the way their first one went in - Ashley put in what seemed like a very good tackle and they still ended up scoring. Come qualifying games I’ll have to be right, and I’ll make sure I will be."

James now returns to his club before the two vital World Cup qualifiers away to Wales and Northern Ireland in two weeks time.

"All I can do now is work in the two games I’ve got for Manchester City before the next call-up," James continued. "Then I’ll hopefully get called upon for the qualifiers.

"The approach will be very different and that’s something as a professional I’ll have to make sure of."