James feels ‘cheated’ by Portsmouth

djames England goalkeeper David James has said he feels ‘cheated’ as many of Portsmouth’s players have departed the south-coast club in the last 18 months.

James was a key member of Pompey’s FA Cup-winning side in 2008, but seven of the starting 11 from that match have left Fratton Park for pastures new.

On top of this, players such as Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe have since arrived and then left.

“You have to focus on where you are, and I want to help Portsmouth to climb the table,” James told the Telegraph.

“The departure of so many players from the club last summer was a great pity, especially when those players are your proven goalscorers.

“When half of the team disperse, you feel a bit cheated.”

The 39-year-old keeper has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months and is desperate to reclaim his place as England’s number one ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

James has been linked with a move to Tottenham, which would reunite him with ex-Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, but Redknapp has revealed his confidence in current White Hart Lane number one Heurelho Gomes.

The Brazilian has been revitalised under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks and a move to Tottenham would certainly not guarantee James a first-team slot.

“You could say that I’m flattered by a team of Tottenham’s stature and that it would be good for my England chances to join an upwardly-mobile club,” James added.