Source: Eurosport
Fab wanted audience with the King
Fabio Capello has defended his right to pick Ledley King in his England squad - and has questioned Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp's attitude.After playing in Spurs' last four games, Capello felt he had every right to select King, who he views as one of the best central defenders in the country.The England coach was perfectly aware of King's chronic knee problems but felt it was important to speak with the player directly and have his own staff offer their medical assessment.Redknapp queried the decision, claiming if the 28-year-old was picked for the Three Lions - either against Slovakia on Saturday or Ukraine next Wednesday - if would effectively prevent him playing in Tottenham's next match.The Spurs boss then continued his attack on Tuesday, by which time King had returned to his club, with Capello informed there was no chance of him being involved in training this week and therefore playing in either game.Capello insists he does not have a personal problem with Redknapp.However, the Italian wonders why Redknapp has been critical of him when there has been no mention of Scotland coach George Burley picking Alan Hutton, even though the full-back only returned on Monday to reserve-team action after four months out with a foot injury."Harry Redknapp has spoken about the England team but Alan Hutton is in the Scotland squad after being out for a number of months but that has not been mentioned," said Capello."I do not understand why this is the case."I think I should be able to check all my players. I did it with Steven Gerrard last time and I wanted to do it with Ledley King this time."He was not injured when he played for Tottenham last week and it was important for me to speak with him and hear what my own medical people say."Although Tottenham have opted not to respond publicly, club officials are unhappy at Capello's stance.In pointing out there had hardly been any contact with the Football Association in the build-up to King being chosen in Capello's 24-man squad on Sunday night, they also revealed Scotland boss Burley had been in regular contact and had already reached an agreement with Redknapp over Hutton's position within the Scotland squad.
