Portsmouth goalkeeper legend Alan Knight has slammed Fabio Capello's doubts about David James' fitness.

England coach Capello issued a warning to the keeper that he was not prepared to take a risk on his fitness ahead of next summer's World Cup.

But Knight told The News: "If James wasn't to be England's first choice because he is managing an injury it would be a cop out.

"When you consider the goalkeeping situation and the other players in contention, he is easily the best option. When you are playing games in a tournament you wouldn't expect to train the day after a game, so I don't see why James needing rest would be a problem.

"There will be a lot of players going into the tournament carrying injuries. In fact, I reckon most players will be nursing knocks and pulls. If it was a real performance-challenging injury that was going to affect him it would be different.

"Obviously, it is something the England staff have to keep a check on to ensure he won't break down. But that is not the case with Jamo. It's something he needs to nurse along. There are enough physios and medical staff to help him.

"James is, physically, in brilliant shape for someone of his age. And he will keep himself up at peak fitness for next summer."