King chases World Cup start
Source: Agencies |
June 8, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WITH his Tottenham career hampered by chronic knee problems, the chances of Ledley King playing for England at a World Cup seemed implausible.
At times in recent years, the center back's career even seemed to be hanging in the balance after a series of operations, and he still can't even play with his five-year-old son.
"There's plenty of times when he's trying to get me out in the garden or in the park to play and it can be tough," King said. "As a kid you can't really understand it, but it's something he's heard over the last few years. It's difficult as a dad to see you can't play."
But King has been included in the World Cup squad and with Rio Ferdinand out through injury could make his first tournament appearance in six years in Saturday's opening match against the US.
The troublesome knees prevented King from appearing in qualifying, and the Tottenham captain only returned to the team after a three-year exile in last month's friendly against Mexico, marking his 20th England appearance by scoring.
The 29-year-old King is confident his knees can survive the rigors of playing matches in quick succession at the World Cup despite usually being limited to one training session per week and spending the rest of the time on his own in the gym.
"I don't do too much training because I see the games as the most important thing and I've got to try and find a balance of what I can do and be available for a game," King said. "I always believed if I could stay fit for a long period of time then I believed I always had a chance.
Difficult moments
"There have been some difficult moments after the last few years. I don't necessarily enjoy the work I have to do inside, but as a professional I have to do that to be able to prepare to play matches."
King's performances helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League for the first time next season by finishing fourth in the Premier League.
An indication of whether King starts in Rustenburg on Saturday against the Americans will be if he partners with John Terry in central defense in a training match against South African Premier League side Platinum Stars.
King's chance to play at the 2004 European Championship came after Terry was injured and Ferdinand was suspended. Now he has to convince England coach Fabio Capello that he can forge a partnership with Terry despite being unable to train much.
"He's a great communicator on the pitch and that's what you need," King said. "It is difficult. We're not going to have much time forge it regardless of me training once or twice a week. Communication is key."
At times in recent years, the center back's career even seemed to be hanging in the balance after a series of operations, and he still can't even play with his five-year-old son.
"There's plenty of times when he's trying to get me out in the garden or in the park to play and it can be tough," King said. "As a kid you can't really understand it, but it's something he's heard over the last few years. It's difficult as a dad to see you can't play."
But King has been included in the World Cup squad and with Rio Ferdinand out through injury could make his first tournament appearance in six years in Saturday's opening match against the US.
The troublesome knees prevented King from appearing in qualifying, and the Tottenham captain only returned to the team after a three-year exile in last month's friendly against Mexico, marking his 20th England appearance by scoring.
The 29-year-old King is confident his knees can survive the rigors of playing matches in quick succession at the World Cup despite usually being limited to one training session per week and spending the rest of the time on his own in the gym.
"I don't do too much training because I see the games as the most important thing and I've got to try and find a balance of what I can do and be available for a game," King said. "I always believed if I could stay fit for a long period of time then I believed I always had a chance.
Difficult moments
"There have been some difficult moments after the last few years. I don't necessarily enjoy the work I have to do inside, but as a professional I have to do that to be able to prepare to play matches."
King's performances helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League for the first time next season by finishing fourth in the Premier League.
An indication of whether King starts in Rustenburg on Saturday against the Americans will be if he partners with John Terry in central defense in a training match against South African Premier League side Platinum Stars.
King's chance to play at the 2004 European Championship came after Terry was injured and Ferdinand was suspended. Now he has to convince England coach Fabio Capello that he can forge a partnership with Terry despite being unable to train much.
"He's a great communicator on the pitch and that's what you need," King said. "It is difficult. We're not going to have much time forge it regardless of me training once or twice a week. Communication is key."
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