Seaman must prove his fitness

David Seaman must prove his fitness to Sven-Goran Eriksson to ensure that he can return to the England side for next week's World Cup qualifier in Greece.  

Nigel Martyn and David James are pushing Seaman hard to claim the England goalkeeping spot.

And both performed faultlessly during a half apiece in last week's friendly against Mexico.

Seaman is still expected to be recalled in Athens, just as he was for the qualifiers against Finland and Albania after missing Eriksson's first match in charge - the friendly against Spain.

But he must first reassure Eriksson that he is not still being troubled by a muscle problem in his shoulder.

Eriksson, who revealed that Michael Owen had returned to full training after a stiff back, said: "I don't think that David Seaman will be a problem for Wednesday night.

"He might be able to practice on Sunday or Monday. If he is fit, then he will compete for a place with the other two goalkeepers."

The race is certainly close but, fitness permitting, James accepts that Seaman's experience could just give the 37-year-old Arsenal keeper the edge again.

"The coach has an incredibly difficult decision to make. David has got massive experience, which neither Nigel nor myself can do anything about," said James.

"Nigel's form has been outstanding of late and I have been happy with my game too. But all that matters is that we qualify for the World Cup."