England [Images] goalkeeper David James [Images] is to have shoulder surgery this week and will miss the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Kazakhstan next month.
James, who has played all five of England's qualifiers so far, missed Portsmouth's home match against Sunderland on Monday and his club said he would have an operation this week.
"The operation will take place in London [Images] this week so that he will be fit for the start of next season," Portsmouth's website (www.portsmouthfc.co.uk) said.
Until Monday, the 38-year-old had played every minute of Portsmouth's Premier League season and helped them avoid relegation.
With Manchester United's [Images] reserve keeper Ben Foster also unavailable after surgery on his thumb, England coach Fabio Capello could turn to West Ham United's Robert Green or former England first choice Paul Robinson.
England, who lead Group Six with a maximum 15 points, play Kazakhstan away on June 6 and are at home to Andorra on June 10.
© Copyright 2009 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
|
