ENGLAND Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce insists the door has not been closed on David James' international career.

Left out of Fabio Capello's squad for tomorrow night's friendly encounter with Hungary at Wembley, Bristol City's 40-year-old goalkeeper fears he may have played for his country for the last time.

But Pearce, inset, in Bristol ahead of tonight's Under-21 clash with Uzbekistan at Ashton Gate, refuses to rule out the possibility of a recall for the former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Portsmouth star, who featured in three of England's four games at this summer's World Cup finals.

Under pressure from the media and the public to drop the old guard following the Three Lions' dismal showing in South Africa, Capello has turned to Manchester City stopper Joe Hart, who is expected to start in front of Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster.

But Pearce, who is also part of Capello's senior squad backroom staff, drew upon his own experiences as a player to offer encouragement to James.

He said: "No way is the door shut on David James' England career. I know how much playing for the country means to him and he will be hurting at being left out of this squad.

"But David has always kept the door open and made himself available to England and, who knows, his chance may come again further down the line."

A member of the England side beaten on penalties by West Germany in the World Cup semi-finals at Italia 90, Pearce subsequently lost his place to Graeme LeSaux, only to be recalled by Terry Venables for Euro 96.

He said: "Playing for England was the pinnacle of my career and it meant far more to me than anything I achieved at club level. I played 60-odd times, kept playing until I was left out and then spent a year watching games from the stand waiting for another chance.

"That chance came because of an injury to Graeme Le Saux and I ended up playing for England in Euro 96. It just goes to show what can happen if you hang on in there and don't throw in the towel.

"I think David James feels the same way I did back then. If he continues to play well for Bristol City and makes himself available, then of course there is a chance he could play for England again.

"This is a good time for young players to stake their claim and push for places in the senior squad, but the important thing is to finish top of our qualifying group and get through to the European Championship finals in 2012."

Pearce worked with James while in charge at Manchester City several seasons ago and says the keeper's decision to turn his back on the Premier Leaue after 19 years and drop into the Championship with City did not come as a surprise.

He added: "When I was manager at Manchester City, David told me he wanted to leave to be near his family. I discovered he put great importance on his family being happy and, for that reason, was keen to return to the south to be near them.

"Knowing that from talking to him a few years ago, it didn't surprise me when he joined Bristol City. I could see why he would have taken that decision."

Pearce enjoyed his previous Ashton Gate experience – the Under-21s fought out a 1-1 friendly draw with Romania three seasons ago – and is anticipating another big-match atmosphere.

He said: "We played in front of a full-house crowd the last time we were here and it was a great atmosphere. I like coming down to Bristol and, although the recession means we might not sell out this time, I still expect a big crowd and plenty of noise.

"Personally, I think it's important that the Under-21s take the show on the road and travel around the country.

"It gives people in the regions a chance to watch international football and see young Premier League players they would not normally see.

"As a potential World Cup host city in 2018, this is also an important game for Bristol itself."