David James Credits Quitting Smoking for his Impressive Form

18 March 2008

Portsmouth's goalkeeper David James is hopeful that he can stay fit enough to play for England at the 2010 world cup in South Africa.

Impressive in front of goal this season, James is getting the attention of national coach Fabio Capello, and wants to emulate goalkeeping greats such as Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff.

James credits his impressive form to kicking the smoking habit, admitting that he only gave up smoking when he left Liverpool.
"Football is a tough game and it is quite literally a survival of the fittest. The fact that he [Capello] selected me [last time] means I must be doing something right."

He said: "I've signed a new contract with Portsmouth that gives me clearance beyond the World Cup. My goal is to be involved in that.

"What happens between now and then we'll just have to see, but I'm happy with my performances and happy with football. If I can keep performing, why just limit myself to league football?", reports The Daily Telegraph.