James unfazed by penalty prospect

Advertisement

James reveals England's penalty planning

David James says England are confident of beating Germany over 90 minutes in Sunday's second-round clash but admits he will do homework on penalty-takers.

England have twice lost in shoot-outs to Germany at major tournaments - in the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 96.

"The intention is to win it in 90 minutes and I'm confident we will do what's needed," said goalkeeper James.

"If it goes to penalties there's an opportunity for Germany to miss. The key issue is homework."

The Portsmouth keeper has kept two clean sheets since replacing Robert Green after the West Ham man's handling error cost England a goal in their 1-1 draw with the United States.

The idea of beating Germany is romantic, and it's an achievable goal which we are confident we can do, we are not wayward underdogs David James

The Germans have never been beaten in shoot-out but James is adamant that if it comes to spot-kicks, his preparation for the last 16 encounter will be thorough.

"We've had videos on penalty takers from the three sides we've played already," explained James.

"We'll do our homework on as many of the penalty takers as we can."

Despite the two country's history on the football field, James, 39, was quick to play down the significance of facing Germany and insisted the England players would remain focussed.

"It's another football match. Obviously there will be a lot of external and historic references," said James.

Defoe puts England ahead against Slovenia

"For us if we get carried away with the fact that it is Germany and the historic aspect, that might be detrimental to our performance."

Every time England have faced Germany in the knock-out stages at the World Cup the game has gone to extra-time or penalties.

In 1966 England were 4-2 victors, winning the World Cup after extra-time, while in 1972 West Germany won 3-2 after extra-time in the quarter-final.

ENGLAND v GERMANY - RECENT COMPETITIVE MATCHES WORLD CUP 1990: England 1-1 West Germany AET (3-4 on pens) EURO 1996: England 1-1 Germany AET (5-6 on pens) EURO 2000: England 1-0 Germany WORLD CUP 2002 Qualifying: England 0-1 Germany WORLD CUP 2002 Qualifying: Germany 1-5 England

And at Italia 90, Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed penalties for England as Bobby Robson's side were knocked out by West Germany in the World Cup semi-final.

Victory over Germany on Sunday would potentially set up a quarter-final meeting with Diego Maradona's Argentina side, a game which would also carry historic significance.

"If you look at the potential road to the final...the idea of beating Germany is romantic, and it's an achievable goal which we are confident we can do, we are not wayward underdogs," said James.

"And it will bring on another match which will have its own historical significance."

Meanwhile, the referee for England's game on Sunday has been confirmed as Uruguayan Jorge Larrionda.

More to follow.

generic viagra online | online pharmacy without prescription