David James is taking nothing for granted as he waits to find out whether he will be restored as England's number one goalkeeper.

James has missed the last five internationals after undergoing shoulder surgery, with Robert Green being installed as his replacement.

The Portsmouth star was recalled to the international scene by Fabio Capello and was a regular first choice until he went under the knife during the summer.

But the 39-year-old has "no expectations" as to whether he will be between the posts for Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Ukraine.

James said: "There has always been competition for places. I said that from the beginning.

"My inclusion back in the squad under Fabio was very welcoming and it would have been understandable had he gone with a younger keeper.

"I feel the standard of English goalkeeping is good. But Robert Green has come in and the team have continued their winning sequence and it is a testament to the standards Mr Capello has set for the whole squad.

"It has never been easy. There are no expectations. When I first got into the squad, I wasn't expecting to play.

"The 'deal or no deal' moment when the teamsheet goes up will be as true for this next match as it was for the first one so there are no expectations.

"I'm in the squad with a chance to play. The manager will decide who starts on Saturday. The outcome being positive is all that matters."

James was frustrated to still be sidelined for last month's decisive qualifier with Croatia which ensured England booked their place in the 2010 finals with two matches to spare.

But the former Liverpool and Aston Villa player reckons he still has plenty to offer for his country.

He said: "The operation meant I was going to miss games. Its timing should have coincided with me being fit for the start of the season.

"Unfortunately there were some hiccups and further injury problems not related to the operation.

"I was not able to play against Croatia which was frustrating although the team won and got us through to South Africa which is most important.

"But if I did not think I had plenty to offer England, I would not be here. England does not want anyone to be hanging on or dragging behind."

James last played for England against Ukraine at Wembley and knows they will provide tough opposition as they look to edge out Croatia for a play-off position.

"I expect Croatian people will become England fans on Saturday. It will be very difficult," he said.

"They still have a chance of qualifying via the play-offs. But they are up against England who want to win every qualifier and we will not make things easy for them.

"Mr Capello has made it very clear we have to improve on our last performance. As tough as it will be, we will be going there to win and to continue our progress."

James is happy that life at Fratton Park appears to be more stable with news of further investment and a takeover during the past few days after non-payment of wages last week.

He said: "With the takeover, hopefully things will stabilise. The non-payment issue was not good and if the club was on the verge of administration, it did not bode well.

"But we seem to have sorted that out and it's amazing what a difference a week makes.

"We've got our first win on the board against Wolves. Performances have been all right so to get three points wasn't a surprise.

"Now all we have to do is beat Tottenham in our next game and be challenging for Europe by Christmas!"