LONDON - Portsmouth's England goalkeeper David James has played down the latest injury he suffered in the warm-up for Sunday's Premier League game at Stoke City.

"I had a scan this morning and it's just a minor tear, so in some respects I'm happy. We thought it could be worse," the 39-year-old told Talksport radio on Monday.

James has not started a game for his country since April, and needs to prove his fitness to England coach Capello before next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Capello said this month he would only consider players who are fit and playing regularly for inclusion in his squad, adding he thought James had a "problem" with his fitness despite showing good form.