Israel Saria
Eurosport
Fabio Capello is determined to pick Ledley King for England again despite the Tottenham defender’s chronic knee injury.
King withdrew from Capello’s squad on Tuesday after medical tests showed he was not fit. His shock call-up angered Spurs boss Harry Redknapp who described it as “mad” and “ridiculous”.
The 28-year-old can only play one match per week and is unable to train properly because of persistent swelling in his left knee.
However, Capello has not given up hope of resurrecting the international career of King, the last of whose 19 England caps came in June 2007.
It is believed he is angry with Redknapp, who was also strongly critical of the Italian’s tactics in a television appearance after the 2-2 friendly draw against Czech Republic in August 2008.
The Sun quoted an England insider as saying: “Fabio is fed up with Harry and cannot be bothered to talk to him. He has caused too much trouble.”
Redknapp said of the decision to return King to Tottenham: “I think it is the right decision to send him back to the Tottenham medics.
“He’s OK between Saturday and Saturday but the possibility of him playing next Wednesday against the Ukraine would have given us a problem.
“I can honestly say I only want for Ledley what he wants for himself. But it will always be difficult to get him ready for a league game should he play in a midweek international.”
Capello’s desire to include King in the fold casts a question-mark over the centre-back partnership of captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
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