David James is stretched during an England training session in Chicago.
'A real eye-opener'
By Matt Butler. Friday, 27 May 2005.
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England goalkeeper David James has been clocking up the air miles this week, having jetted to the US straight from Malawi.
James linked up with the Three Lions squad on Thursday after visiting the African country with Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville to help raise awareness 
for HIV.
Malawi is severely affected by the virus, with up to 14 per cent of the population carriers of HIV.
And James admitted he couldn't fail to be moved by the Malawian's plight - or their resilience.
He said: "We encountered a very friendly group of people. It's difficult to try and comprehend that we worry about nothing, effectively.
"I may worry that my suit doesn't look quite right with my shoes, or whatever, and they are happy just to have clothing in the first place.
"The HIV/AIDS issue is also very difficult because you meet what look like healthy people but they are suffering. The best thing about it was we had 
contact with very many HIV sufferers.
"It was a lot to take in and difficult to digest and make sense of. Coming back and trying to focus on football is different knowing full well that hopefully we could have some influence on the state of things in Malawi. It was such an eye-opener for all of us.
"Rio, Gary and I talked about it all day. We had tremendous help from the British HIV/AIDS charity people and we talked about stuff we had encountered. I learned a lot.
"Awareness is probably a mis-conception because they are obviously aware of it. They need some role models to help try and educate people about how it is contracted and hopefully dispel some of the old wives' tales 
about it."
James got involved with the trip after speaking to FA Executive Director David Davies. And despite not knowing exactly what it would involve, he was an immediate starter.
He added: "David Davies spoke to Gary and I about six months ago and asked us what we thought. I said 'let's do it', even though I wasn't sure what it would entail or what we would encounter.
"What we did encounter was a very impoverished country. It's the most impoverished non-conflict country in the world I hear.
"We went out with the idea that we would do our bit and help people, but I 
have come back wiser - and sadder in some respects.
"You try and pinpoint an area which you think you could have an influence, but if you do that then the problem could get worse somewhere else. It's like a vicious circle."
James admits he feels powerless after witnessing Malawi's HIV problem first-hand, but he is determined not to get affected by a situation he is unable to change.
He said: "I'm not going to be able to influence it, but I have contacts out there and hopefully I can have some sort of input. It was a moving trip.
"The reality is I am not a Malawian and I have to do my job. I will continue to do what I do and England and 
Manchester City don't want me to feel sorry for myself."
James now is firmly focused on England's matches in the US and has his sights on keeping his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's side in the run-up the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"I am delighted with the way things are going on the pitch even though I have only played one game for England this season," he added. "But Robbo's injury has given me a chance.
"I'm not wasting this opportunity and next season I hope to start afresh and focus on retaining the number one spot for the matches leading up to - and including - the World Cup."