The Pompey goalkeeper is one of just three players from Capello's regular first-choice line-up who is expected to be available for the clash with the old enemy in Berlin, joining fellow Blues Glen Johnson – who is a doubt with a knee problem – Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the 23-man squad.

But Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard's withdrawal from the squad has sparked controversy with both players expected to recover in time to be fit for their club fixtures this weekend.

Manchester United trio Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand are already ruled out, while Ashley and Joe Cole, Theo Walcott and Emile Heskey are all sidelined with injuries.

But with Scott Carson and Paul Robinson vying for their opportunity, James is determined to keep his place as Capello's number one goalkeeper.

James said: 'If selected, it will be happy days as far as I'm concerned.

'I obviously want to play a part.

'It's a chance for Mr Capello to work on a few things which will hold us in good stead for next year.

'I wouldn't say he is the person to experiment, but I think he will play a side where he will look for some answers and get them.

'Obviously how he sets us up is down to him.'

While England have looked impressive in the World Cup qualifying campaign so far, their performances in friendlies have looked disjointed at times.

But that is perhaps no real surprise given that the manager is unable to field the team he wants to select in a game that will renew the old rivalry.

James said: 'Someone said to me the other day there is no such thing as a friendly against Germany.

'The result in a friendly is not the most important, but it is Germany of course – and we all like to beat them!

'So it's going to be interesting.

'I have to say England's results in friendlies haven't been that great.

'The draw against the Czech Republic and defeat against France are two examples of that.

'Whatever Mr Capello wanted out of those games I assume he got it, because the results in qualifying have been so good.

'We drew 2-2 with the Czech Republic and people were wondering how we would do.

'But the result is we've put in some really good performances in qualification.

'If it turns out to be a victory in Germany, then fantastic, but it's a good measure of our progress.'

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