England coach Steve McClaren is ready to revive the international careers of Portsmouth duo Sol Campbell and David James.

Campbell, 32, has not played for England since the 2006 World Cup. But a fine debut season for Portsmouth last term led to speculation the central defender might be recalled by McClaren.

It didn't happen last season but the former Middlesbrough manager could yet turn to Campbell with England captain John Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate all injured as he contemplates his side for the August 22 friendly against Germany.

Campbell can take heart from McClaren's treatment of David Beckham. Despite dropping the former captain in one of his first acts as England coach, McClaren insisted the midfielder's international career was not at an end.

To prove the point, he recalled the midfielder for the June friendly with Brazil and Euro 2008 qualifying win in Estonia.

Now, with England facing five key Euro 2008 qualifiers over the next three months, Campbell and James, routinely described by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp as the best goalkeeper in the Premiership although Tottenham's Paul Robinson is England No 1 at the moment, could play at the highest level once again.

McClaren is set to see both of them in action at Fratton Park when champions Manchester United arrive for a league fixture at south coast club Portsmouth's home ground on August 15 - two days before the England coach names his squad for the Germany match.

"You can't close the door on anyone in this job," McClaren told reporters during a youth football tournament at Wembley on Monday. "It would be silly and foolish of me to dismiss either Sol or David.

"Last season was a very good one for Sol and with (goalkeeper) Ben Foster being injured as well, I will certainly be going to watch Portsmouth.

"I have brought players back in the past and as long as players want to be involved with England,

that is great."

Campbell's chances of an England recall to have been bolstered by the international retirement of Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, tired of being picked for squads only to miss out on matches.

But McClaren said: "There is no way I want to lose him and keeping Jamie involved is my main aim at present."

England were lacklustre during a draw away to Israel in March and an uninspiring win over minnows Andorra.

Having also been beaten by Group E leaders Croatia, England find themselves fourth in their pool with only the top two sides qualifying for the 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Next month Israel and Russia, both currently ahead of England, come to Wembley for two qualification matches in the space of four days.

"I think things are looking positive," said McClaren. "The most important thing now is to get our best players on the pitch, fill the stadium, get the fans behind us and make Wembley a fortress."