Soccer: England drop goalkeeper James after blunders

LONDON - England goalkeeper David James was dropped today for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland.

Paul Robinson of Tottenham Hotspur, Robert Green of Norwich City and Chris Kirkland, on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Liverpool, were preferred to James who made errors in this month's 4-1 friendly defeat in Denmark.

"I have spoken to David James today and explained to him that, on this occasion, I think it's best not to select him," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said.

"He has always been extremely professional for me and I have assured him that the door is not closed, and that I will be monitoring his form at Manchester City very closely.

"Chris Kirkland is a brilliant prospect who has suffered badly with injuries, but he has now started playing regularly again, so I feel the time is right to have a good look at him."

Young Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock was called up for the first time for the matches on September 3 and 7 after Gary Neville was ruled out with a groin injury.

Unsettled Real Madrid striker Michael Owen was also named in the squad.

"I have talked to Michael, first of all they (Real) have to decide very quickly because the (transfer) window closes on Wednesday," Eriksson said.

"What he is concerned about is to play football and playing football for England in a World Cup year."

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, Chelsea defender John Terry and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips were named in the squad despite struggling with injury.

In-form Charlton Athletic forward Marcus Bent and Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick retained their places and Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson was recalled.

- REUTERS