James pleads for England reprieve

James takes blame for defeat Eriksson fumes after defeat Denmark 4-1 England

David James is urging England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to give him the opportunity to make up for his nightmare showing against Denmark.

The Manchester City goalkeeper admitted to be under-prepared after the 4-1 defeat in Copenhagen on Wednesday.

"I just want to be able to have the chance to put it straight," he said.

"I'm looking forward to having another go and making sure everything I do next time is 100 per cent spot-on. It's a learning curve for me at 35."

James came on as a second-half substitute against Denmark with the game still goalless.

He was at fault with the first goal and looked ill at ease throughout the 45 minutes he was on the pitch as England suffered their heaviest defeat under Eriksson.

I spoke the truth which obviously wasn't taken the right way David James

James accepted his share of the blame but was subsequently pilloried for admitting he had not prepared properly for the friendly international.

"I spoke the truth which obviously wasn't taken the right way on one occasion or wasn't necessarily interpreted the right way in another. That's not my problem," he said.

"But I'm a stickler for doing things right - that's why I've got a psychologist on board - and for once I didn't.

"The performance showed that. As a professional, for me that's not acceptable.

"I rant and rave at youngsters to do things right and I didn't do it myself.

"The one thing I must say is that at no stage did I belittle it because it was a friendly. It was just fortunate it was a friendly and not a qualifying game.

If given the opportunity again, there is no way I won't be right or ready David James

"Will it wreck my World Cup hopes? I've been honest. It's up to people what they want to make of it - but it will never happen again."

James must now wait to see if he will be given a reprieve by the England coach during the World Cup qualifiers with Wales and Northern Ireland next month.

"I'll play my games for Manchester City. We've got two more before the squad is announced and my preparation process will be the same, to win games, play well and, if selected, ready to go," he said.

"Representing your country is the highest honour you can have and if given the opportunity again, there is no way I won't be right or ready."