Clemence: Youngsters to challenge James

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James has become England's first choice again under Capello at the age of 37 when it looked as if his international career was over after a crucial blunder in a World Cup qualifier in Austria three years ago, but former England number one Clemence is confident the likes of fit-again Ben Foster and 20-year-old Joe Hart will be eventually able to stake a claim to succeed James.

Clemence, now the Football Association's head of national teams, said: "The England goalkeeping situation is a lot better than it was four or five years ago. We have got a lot of young keepers who have got into their first teams, are improving and their dedication to the job is superb."

He added: "(Five years ago) You then had three English keepers in the Premier League and all of them were aged over 30: David James, David Seaman and Nigel Martyn.

"Now, if you look, we have got seven and only David James is over 30. He is playing out of his skin but all of a sudden we are getting some English keepers playing in the Premier League on a regular basis.

"The one who did extremely well until he was injured was Ben Foster. He is back to fitness now and he is another one who will be pushing to play in the Premier League next year as well. It is starting to turn around slowly.

"To get the top, you have to have ability but also show dedication and keep working all the way through, learning and improving - and that is what we have got now.

"Robert Green has come good at West Ham, while Chris Kirkland at Wigan has probably has his best season in terms of injuries this year and that is what he needed, to play lots of games.

"Then there is Joe Hart at Manchester City and I have to congratulate Sven-Goran Eriksson on his bravery in putting him in at 20 and telling him he is in basically for the season.

"It has taken enormous pressure off him and Joe knows if he does make a mistake, he will still be in the side the following game and that has shown in his performances."