England’s Ledley King says he can step in for Ferdinand as Capello prepares to field his strongest side against a local team.
Captain Rio Ferdinand was forced to withdraw from the Three Lions squad after injuring his knee in their first training session in South Africa leaving King, who also suffers from chronic knee problems, as the favourite to fill the Manchester United star’s boots.
But King, who cannot train regularly in between matches, does not believe he will struggle with the physical demands of replacing Ferdinand as a first-choice centre-back.
Asked whether he could play a full part in England’s campaign, King said: “I like to believe so. The medical team, the facilities are second to none. I believe with the right help and support I can do that. The medical team, the manager have allowed me to do what I normally do. I couldn’t ask for any more than that.”
England take on local side Platinum All-Stars in a friendly on Monday with King set to feature after coach Fabio Capello revealed he would be naming his strongest side just five days before the Three Lions kick-off their World Cup campaign against the United States.
“I have to play all the players that will play against the USA for 45 minutes or 60 minutes,” said Capello. “I don’t know if it is a major risk. I touch wood. We have to be careful about injuries but we have to prepare for that game. I know what can happen but that is the job. What do you do? Swim and not play? You have to train.”
Tags: England, Ledley King
