Portsmouth goalkeeper David James wonders if Ben Foster can ever replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United.

James is battling Foster for a place in England's World Cup squad.

"Edwin is awesome," James told The Times. "I respect all goalkeepers because of the goalkeepers' union and all that, but Edwin really is different gravy. Put it this way: I'm sure that if I watch any weekend's football from across Europe, I can find you 101 great saves which Edwin might not make, but as a goalkeeper [emphasis on keeper], looking at his distribution, his control, his composure, he's awesome.

"I think Edwin van der Sar is Ben's biggest challenge. It's difficult when you're trying to establish yourself as a young goalkeeper at a top club. I had it at Liverpool. The margins for error are so small. At that top end of the table, failure isn't tolerated."