Pompey pair still in the mix - McClaren

England coach Steve McClaren says he has not turned his back on Portsmouth duo David James and Sol Campbell.

England coach Steve McClaren says he has not turned his back on Portsmouth duo David James and Sol Campbell.

Neither man has appeared in any of McClaren's squads so far this season despite their increasingly influential roles in Portsmouth's unexpected challenge for a European spot.

At a time when top-class English goalkeepers are a rare commodity in the Premiership, James appears to have been particularly unlucky to be overlooked for Wednesday's friendly with Spain at Old Trafford.

In both instances, age and experience appears to have gone against them, with McClaren keen to assess the abilities of untested youngster Ben Foster in the goalkeeping department, while the return of fit-again Jonathan Woodgate has effectively denied Campbell any hope of a recall.

READ MORE

But even at 32 and 36 respectively, Campbell and James should not totally dismiss their prospects of ever playing for England again.

It may be a long shot that either man will be recalled but McClaren is not willing to totally discard them just yet.

"I would have no hesitation calling either David James or Sol Campbell into the squad," revealed McClaren.

"I saw them both play for Portsmouth at Manchester United last week and Sol in particular was outstanding.

"I know David has had a great season too and is one of the main reasons why Portsmouth have climbed so high in the table.

"The door is not closed on them by any means. I am keeping a very close eye on them but this is a friendly, and I want to use it to have a look at other things."