Redknapp - King deserves England spot

Published: 07 Feb 2010 - 23:00:05

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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists Ledley King can still play a part in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Capello recalled the 29-year-old last season, but a chronic knee condition means the centre-back cannot play matches in quick succession and it led to him returning to Spurs. King has never announced his retirement from international football and his club manager believes he would be perfect cover for Capello's first-choice pairing of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"You'd take him to the World Cup all day long, he's that good," Redknapp said.

"He's special, that's why when he's fit I play him.

"He's desperate to play for England and he'd love to go to the World Cup. I think he could go, if you need him he's there. If you lose Terry or you lose Rio, you know he's going to come in and do a job for you.

"He'd be available; you're not going to weaken your team. If you're in a semi-final and you have a suspension you can bring him in, he's a fantastic player."

King has taken the captain's armband at Spurs following Robbie Keane's loan to Celtic, but he will be rested against Wolves on Wednesday so Michael Dawson will lead the team out.

Redknapp argues that the role of a captain is overstated and players lead by example, which will be the case when Ferdinand takes over from Terry as England skipper.

Redknapp still texted Ferdinand when he got the captaincy to wish him good luck and tell him to emulate World Cup-winning skipper Bobby Moore.

Redknapp added: "John Terry will still be leading from the front and Rio will as well. John Terry, Rio, Stevie Gerrard, they're all leaders."