Former England keeper David Seaman says David James should be the country's first choice in the World Cup finals.

James is vying for the number one jersey with Robert Green and Joe Hart in South Africa ahead of the Three Lions opening game against the USA on 12 June.

Green and Hart played a half each in Monday's 3-1 win over Mexico on Monday and both impressed with solid performances.

But Seaman - who retired with 75 England caps to his name - says manager Fabio Capello should retain faith in veteran Portsmouth man James as the three battle it out to be England's number one.
Experience

Seaman told the Daily Star Sunday: "Don't get me wrong, Robert Green is a good keeper. But I think that Jamo is the better of the two.

"Experience is everything as a keeper and he has been at the top of his game for a few years now."

James captained Pompey through a turbulent campaign which culminated in the club finishing bottom of the Premier League and suffering relegation to the Championship.

But the 39-year-old emerged with credit from a torrid campaign at Fratton Park, performing admirably as the club reached the FA Cup Final in unlikely circumstances.

James used to be Seaman's understudy when the then Arsenal stopper held a tight grip on the shirt and the 46-year-old firmly believes his fellow custodian has the right credentials to get the nod in South Africa.

And Seaman says the adversity endured by the former Liverpool man during the season strengthens his claims to be retained as first choice.

Character

He added: "Yes, you could look at his age and, at 39, people say he may be too old - but take a look at the season he has just had with Portsmouth.

"He had had loads of off-field stuff to contend with yet he played through and a made a difference for the side. He not only played brilliantly but was a leader, too.

"When it comes to World Cups, that's exactly the type of character you want. Those are the reasons that he is better than his competition for the England No.1 spot.

"Even when I was playing I used to look at some of the saves he produced and wonder how he did it. He is outstanding."