Peter Shilton is backing David James to remain England's No1 until after the 2010 World Cup campaign as there is no one capable of dislodging him.

Portsmouth goalkeeper James has re-established himself as first choice for the national team at 38 after restoring a degree of stability to a position which has traditionally been a bedrock of English football.

James won back his place after some high-profile mistakes from Paul Robinson and Scott Carson which helped contribute to England's failure to reach the finals of Euro 2008.

Shilton, who won 125 caps for England, said: "It says something for the quality of the goalkeepers we have that James got back in having lost his place.

"Nobody really came in and established themselves as they should have done. Really, David shouldn't have had another look in. It makes me worry a bit. Paul Robinson's record for England is good - he had a run of clean sheets. But he lost his confidence, made a few mistakes and that cost him his place.

"James will comfortably go to the next World Cup as No1. I was nearly 41 when I played in my last World Cup and I could have carried on playing for England."

Robinson is back in the England squad but Carson still has work to do to repair his international career after a nightmare debut in the 3-2 defeat by Croatia at Wembley which cost England their place in the Euro finals. West Ham's Robert Green is another player being touted as a future England keeper.

Shilton added: "Green has had some tremendous games for West Ham. I would like to see him take charge of his box more but you would put him up there on ability."

• Peter Shilton was appearing at the London office park, Chiswick Park, as part of the Enjoy-Work summer events programme, putting office workers on the spot with a penalty competition aimed at testing their nerve under pressure.