Hats Zoff to golden oldie James - Pompey boss Redknapp hails World Cup winner in waiting - Sport

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The Portsmouth boss has backed his goalkeeper to make the England number one spot his own under Fabio Capello, starting in tonight's friendly against Switzerland at Wembley.

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James is reported to have seen off the challenge of Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson to claim the goalkeeper's jersey in a new-look national team.

West Ham's Matthew Upson is set to play alongside Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, flanked by Wes Brown and Ashley Cole.

David Bentley and Ashley Young have been earmarked for the wide berths in a five-man midfield which also features captain Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Joe Cole - who will play behind lone striker Wayne Rooney.

James will be just days away from his 40th birthday by the end of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa - but Redknapp sees no reason why he cannot repeat the feat of Zoff, who led Italy to the crown in 1982 aged 40.

"He's a superb goalie and, no disrespect to the other keepers, he should be in," said Redknapp.

"He's top man and he's been absolutely brilliant for me. He has been frightening for us. I don't think there's anyone that comes near him now.

"He's the best goalkeeper in the country and he would definitely be my England number one.

"He might be 37 but Capello would remember Dino Zoff winning the World Cup at 40. Jamo will play on until he's 40-odd.

"He's got older and more experienced and he's an absolutely fantastic keeper."