Campbell and James recalled
Campbell and James have been rewarded for their Pompey performances
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Friday, 17, Aug 2007 10:36
Portsmouth's veteran defensive duo David James and Sol Campbell have been recalled to the international scene as part of Steve McClaren's 28-man England squad to play Germany next week.
Goalkeeper James, 37, and centre-back Campbell, 32, have won more than 100 caps between them throughout their international careers to date and could be given the opportunity to add to that total at Wembley on Wednesday.
James, who has played for a number of Premier League clubs throughout his long career, last played in a competitive match for England in a 2-2 draw with Austria in 2004.
He has since played in a friendly against Denmark, which ended in a 4-1 defeat – England's worst loss for 25 years. James was also in goal for the World Cup warm-up match against Jamaica last June.
However he has since had a superb Premier League season for Portsmouth in 2006/07, during which he surpassed David Seaman's top-flight clean-sheet record, and McClaren said this was the reason for his return.
"David showed excellent and consistent form for Portsmouth last season, that's why he is back in the squad," he said.
"His attitude and professionalism has been first-class throughout this period. I also watched him in action this week against Manchester United, he is a top-class goalkeeper and deserves his recall."
On Campbell's call-up, McClaren was similarly full of praise for the former Arsenal stopper.
"Sol is a player with vast experience at international level. He had a very strong season at Portsmouth last year," the England coach added.
"I always maintained that I wasn't closing the door on Sol. I know he won't let England down and I'm very pleased to welcome him back into the squad."
England under-21 international Steven Taylor has also been called up to the senior squad for the first time after impressing for the youth side in the European Championships over the summer.
He has also been in impressive form for club side Newcastle United and McClaren said he has been "hugely impressed with his attitude and ability".
Among the high-profile absentees is Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who announced his retirement from international football earlier this summer.
McClaren is known to have attempted to persuade Carragher to reconsider his decision but he has so far been unsuccessful.
Star striker Wayne Rooney also misses out after breaking his foot in the season-opener against Reading last weekend but Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is in the squad, despite concerns over his fitness because of a similar injury.
Michael Owen is included after injury, along with new Newcastle team-mate Alan Smith.
Full 28-man England squad
Goalkeepers:
Paul Robinson, David James, Scott Carson;
Defenders:
Micah Richards, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry (c), Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Steven Taylor, Phil Neville, Nicky Shorey;
Midfielders:
David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry, Stuart Downing, Kieron Dyer, Owen Hargreaves;
Forwards:
Alan Smith, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Andrew Johnson, Jermain Defoe.