David James' dream of returning as England's first-choice goalkeeper is back on hold but he insists the importance of the national team qualifying for the finals of Euro 2008 is far greater than who plays in the side.

James, 37, warmed the substitutes' bench at Wembley as England secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Israel.

But James, who was earlier tipped to take over for his first competitive cap since 2004, told Portsmouth's official website: "I was highly delighted to be recalled to the England squad in the first place and if I feature in future games then happy days.

"But so long as we keep getting the results and get to the finals it doesn't really matter what individuals are out there on the pitch. I'll just do my very best to keep performing and let the manager know I'm around if needed."