David James last night savaged the "horrible" World Cup ball - and admitted it is odds-on to leave at least one keeper in South Africa red-faced with embarrassment.

The Portsmouth shot-stopper, desperate for his first taste of World Cup action after travelling as an unused squad member in 2002 and 2006, joined Spain's No.1 Iker Casillas in his attack on the lightweight "Jabulani" ball produced by adidas for the tournament.

England could be set for a World Cup ball  

James could not blame the ball for the goal he conceded against japan as he made his 50th England appearance, 13 years after making his debut, but the insisted: "The ball is dreadful.

"It's horrible, but it's horrible for everyone. You saw that from Frank Lampard's free-kick in the first half against Japan which dipped wickedly.

"There's no real way of coping, other than lots of shooting practice. There's undoubtedly going to be some goals scored in this tournament which in previous tournaments, with different balls, wouldn't have been scored.

"It will allow some people to score extra goals, but leave some goalkeepers looking daft. We've been doing shooting practice every day, and I've been standing behind the goals watching the ball, so at least we'll be prepared."

With Fabio Capello having picked only three keepers in his provisional 30, James was not among those facing anxious waits yesterday but now the big battle is on between him, Rob Green and Joe Hart to be in goal against the USA on June 12.

Hart impressed after replacing James on Sunday and the Manchester City man said: "I'd like to think I've done everything I can. I am just concentrating on myself and trying to improve the team the best I can. If it means I play then great, but if not I can hold my head up time."

But James suggested: "I just think he knows who he will choose as his No.1. He has given all of us a run-out but that is just to make sure everyone is right for the tournament. I think he knows what he wants to do."