James to start for Pompey

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James started in the Premier League opener against Fulham despite missing England’s midweek friendly in Holland.

James has been recovering from shoulder surgery but was fit enough to play in the Fratton Park clash that saw Frederic Piquionne and Aaron Mokoena given their competitive Portsmouth debuts.

Mokoena, who arrived from Blackburn in the summer, protected Paul Hart’s defence while Piquionne, on loan from Lyon, started in attack on his own.

New signing Anthony Vanden Borre did not receive his clearance in time to play.

Fulham included Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora up front, with new signing Bjorn Helge Riise on the bench.