Has been in superb form for West Ham this season and is regarded by many as the most naturally gifted English keeper.

His recent form may even have seen him eclipse Nigel Martyn as the second choice behind David Seaman.

After leaving Aston Villa for West Ham last summer his career at Upton Park got off to the worst possible start.

He was injured just minutes after coming on for the second half of England's friendly with Holland at White Hart Lane in August ruling him out for three months.

Since his recovery from that injury he has played splendidly for the Hammers and has forced his way back into Sven-Goran Eriksson's thinking.

Started his career at Watford and left for Liverpool where he was cruelly nicknamed "Calamity James" for a number of high-profile mistakes.

Rapidly matured after leaving Anfield and has worked to improve his handling of crosses and distribution.