James still the best – Redknapp

Mar 28 2008 Western Mail

PORTSMOUTH boss Harry Redknapp yesterday leapt to the defence of his goalkeeper David James after the veteran was criticised for his part in England’s defeat to France on Wednesday night.

James conceded a penalty after rushing out to stop Nicolas Anelka which Franck Ribery tucked away, and the morning press put the boot in with headlines like “James a Joke,” “Daveja Vu” and “Calamity.”

But Redknapp hit back at the criticism and said, “Don’t try to tell me he’s not the best goalkeeper in the country by a million miles.”

Redknapp did not even watch the match on television, let alone travel to France, even though Pompey’s Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe were also in manager Fabio Capello’s squad with James, 37.

He went to Fulham’s Craven Cottage instead to watch Pompey’s domestically-suspended midfielder Sulley Muntari play for Ghana against Mexico, but revealed, “I watched the French team’s goal on the TV sports news. I’ve not read anything yet.

“I don’t know whether England tried to play offside, but from what I saw (Nicolas) Anelka went though, Jamo came out and I don’t think there was even a challenge because Anelka was very quick.

“Jamo realised he’d got to the ball first and just put his hands down and they collided, but Anelka had already nicked the ball past him and it was a penalty. I don’t know what Jamo did wrong. Nothing, possibly. That’s football.

“But for some to suggest it might have been a red card as well is just bull.

“For me he’s still the best ’keeper in the country by a million miles, and he’s a great signing for us.”