Crocked King fears that his World Cup is already over
Published:Ledley King could be ruled out of the World Cup after suffering yet another injury setback during England’s 1-1 draw with the USA.
The Tottenham defender, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, was substituted at half-time with a groin problem.
And with the centre-back facing a possible three weeks out because of a damaged adductor muscle, England management fear that King’s World Cup could be over.
With England’s false start – and potential second round opponents Germany off to a flyer with a 4-0 drubbing of Australia – another English exit at the last eight seems a good bet at 10/3.
King is thought to have sustained the injury in the first five minutes of the USA fixture, and he was replaced by Jamie Carragher for the second half.
With Carragher getting booked and injured captain Rio Ferdinand already ruled out, Fabio Capello now has a potential crisis on his hands in terms of defensive cover.
King is the biggest worry for the Italian, as the Spurs captain seems to have confirmed persisting doubts about his fitness and durability.
Capello will have to choose from Carragher, Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson to partner John Terry in central defence, and the lack of pace from these options will be a worry.
King’s injury compounds the glumness around the England camp after Rob Green’s gaffe gifted the USA a soft equaliser in their Group C opener.
It also arguably represents the third gamble of Capello’s to backfire, with Green’s error followed by the substitution of James Milner after just half an hour.
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