Ledley King insists he can forge a successful partnership with John Terry in the heart of England's defence despite their lack of action together during games and in training. King's chances of starting the World Cup increased when Rio Ferdinand, the captain, was forced out with a knee ligament injury. Ferdinand is to stay with the squad at least until their World Cup opener against the USA on Saturday to support his teammates.
The Tottenham defender's long-standing knee problem is well documented and means he is confined to gym work for the majority of the time. He has also not started a match for his country in tandem with Terry since the European Championship qualifier against Estonia in June 2007. But King, 29, believes he can overcome such obstacles, which pale into insignificance compared with the fitness battles he has had to fight for the past three years.
"We are not going to have much time to do it - regardless of me training once or twice a week," he told reporters at a press conference at England's base near Rustenburg. "But I have known John for a long time, he is a great communicator on the pitch, and that is what you need. "He is an experienced player, as am I, and I wouldn't see a problem if we're needed to play together. If the communication is good within the back four, you have a good chance.
"I have also been playing long enough now to know my position. I try to keep an eye on the training and especially set-pieces which are important. If I do that, I'll know where to be on the pitch." King said his love of football was a driving force during the low periods with his knee. And he was always confident of being able to play for England again if he could stay fit and get a run of games under his belt.
He said: "This season has been quite difficult for me. I've had a lot of muscle injuries. You start to wonder if you are going to make it or whether your time is running out. But I've never stopped believing and I finally got my reward. "I wouldn't say I doubted whether I would ever get back in an England shirt. I always believed, if I could stay fit for a long period of time, that I always had a chance. I did that towards the end of the season and showed I can play games in succession at Tottenham."
Asked what kept him going through the bad times, King added: "I love football, I love playing. "Of course, there have been some difficult moments over the last few years. I don't necessarily enjoy the work I have to do inside when all the lads are outside on the training ground. It can be frustrating.But, as a professional, I have to do that to be able to play matches. Like I said, I love football and that is what has kept me going."
King admits he owes a debt to Fabio Capello, the England coach, for allowing him to replicate the routine he has employed at Tottenham to ensure he stays fit. "The medical team and the manager here have been great. They said to do the things I have been doing at Tottenham and not to change things too much," added King. Matthew Upson, another central defender, is expected to resume training today after being absent for a second successive session with a high temperature.
He was the only member of the squad not put through their paces ahead of today's practice match with the Platinum Stars. An Football Association spokesman said: "Matthew is in the gym today. He is feeling a lot better and will train tomorrow." * PA