England were beaten 2-0 in a game infamous for goalkeeper Paul Robinson's infamous 'air shot', although that mistake masked a woeful performance after then coach Steve McClaren opted for a 3-5-2 formation.

Defeat left them having to play catch-up for the remainder of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and a 3-2 loss in the reverse fixture at Wembley in November sealed their fate.

But James, a virtual spectator in England's 2-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium on Saturday, is adamant there will be no repeat heartache when the two teams meet again.

The Portsmouth player said: "This result will give us confidence for the Croatian game. You have to take into account we were up against a very defensively-minded side in Andorra.

"We knew it was going to be difficult to break them down. We watched videos of them and it was evident they were going to be putting nine or 10 men behind the ball at most opportunities.

"But we got away with a nice 2-0 win, I had nothing to do – which is always good – and we will prepare properly and have confidence going into the Croatia game now."

James hinted that England would be better prepared for what lies ahead in Zagreb than in 2006 and he is a big fan of Capello's no-nonsense style of management.

He said: "Croatia are a decent side, but I am 100 per cent confident we are good enough to get something out of the game.

"People go on about last time – but this isn't last time. What is different now? We have a decent organisation behind us and I am sure we will be prepared for this one. The manager is no frills and fuss, he says it the way that he sees it and wants it. For a player at international level, you need to know what is expected of you and there can be no ambiguity.

"He's been very clear. He's had a go at me a few times in training over things, but I would much rather know that he is unhappy than walk away wondering what he is thinking."