David James has rued the lack of genuine contenders to push Paul Robinson as England's first-choice goalkeeper.
Keeper highlights importance of competition
David James has rued the lack of genuine contenders to push Paul Robinson as England's first-choice goalkeeper.
Despite some shaky displays, few have really applied enough pressure on the Tottenham Hotspur man, who has tallied 41 caps for his country.
Robinson was axed as England's No.1 for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia, only to be replaced by 22-year-old Scott Carson.
The decision proved costly as an early error from Carson set the Croats on their way, and James has vented his frustration at not providing genuine competition to become England's first-choice shot-stopper.
"I feel for Scotty Carson for the way the game went against Croatia - but that's life unfortunately," he said.
Dominant force
"I think Scotty will without doubt be England's No.1 for many years. I definitely believe that. I really think he is top drawer.
"Hopefully, he will have lots of competition from the likes of (Manchester City's) Joe Hart and whoever else is doing well.
"There will be competition, and providing Scotty gets healthy competition, you will get the best goalkeeper.
"If you look back over the years, you had Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton. There was a genuine competition and it pushed both of them to be the best.
"I blame myself for not putting myself in the picture for long enough and the competition wasn't there for Robbo (Robinson), and internationally you can't have a dominant force without competition."
