Ledley: I won't let Sven down

13 April 2012

Ledley King today insisted he will not let anyone down if he replaces John Terry for the crunch Euro 2004 opener against France on Sunday.

The inexperienced Tottenham youngster is looking increasingly likely to get the nod over rival Jamie Carragher if Terry is ruled out because of his hamstring injury.

King's form on the training ground here has, according to England insiders, been outstanding.

Today the defender insisted he could cope with the inevitable nerves which would come with selection for the biggest match of his career.

King, 23, said: "Obviously we're not sure about John and his fitness and at the moment I'm just waiting.

"But if I get the opportunity, I'm really looking forward to it and I won't let anyone down.

"The thought of playing in a game like this helps to keep your focus and concentration in training. I'm focused and I'll be ready."

King, who only learned of his selection in the squad by text, said: "It's everyone's dream to play in a game like this. I do have nerves before a game and I'll probably be 10 times worse than normal but I thrive on nerves."

But the Spurs player said that facing Thierry Henry held no fears for him. King said: "I believe he's the best striker in the world at the moment."

King's talents were backed by former Spurs and England star Gary Mabbutt, who said today King would be challenging Terry for a regular spot in England's team had he not spent much of last season in Tottenham's midfield.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will leave it until tomorrow before deciding whether Terry is fit enough to take his place alongside Sol Campbell. The Swede will have to decide between King and Liverpool's Carragher, who played at the heart of the defence in the 6-1 defeat of Iceland last weekend.

King, however, who scored on his first England start against Portugal, is said to be winning the race to replace Terry.

Mabbutt believes that King's sacrifice to help Spurs last season has worked against him.

"I was disappointed in Ledley's progress last season," he said. "That's not a criticism of him but of the fact he spent much of the time in midfield. Anyone who knows anything about football can see that central defence is Ledley's rightful position. Circumstances at the club dictated he played in midfield, which was good for Spurs, I suppose, but not for him.

"I do believe that had Ledley played in the centre of the defence for the whole of last season he would have been pushing Terry for that other spot alongside Campbell. As it is, his progress has been set back a little."

Mabbutt added: "I don't believe Ledley would find it a problem if he was picked for Sunday. He's very similar to Sol in that respect. Nothing fazes him."

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