Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Ledley King is a 'certainty' to go to the World Cup with England.
Spurs boss backs defender to make Three Lions squad
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Ledley King is a 'certainty' to go to the World Cup with England.
The Spurs centre-half has been tipped to make Fabio Capello's 23-man squad for South Africa, despite his persistent injury problems.
King has been dogged by a series of injuries throughout his career, particularly in his knees, and this restricts him from now playing games in quick succession.
However, Redknapp says that despite this problem, the 29-year-old will make the plane this summer and be able to make an impact in the World Cup.
"He's a certainty to go to the World Cup," he said. "Look at how he played at Old Trafford (during Tottenham's game with Manchester United), he was our best player. I'd be surprised if he doesn't take him.
"I spoke to Fabio Capello about six weeks ago. He kept asking 'how's Ledley, how's Ledley?'
"When Capello spoke to me he said he had six days between each game. I said it's not a problem then.
"What a great player to have. Even if he doesn't start him, if something happens with Rio (Ferdinand) or John (Terry) then you've got him to come in.
"You can bet your life on him going."
King kept another clean-sheet for Spurs on Saturday at home to Bolton, and Redknapp revealed he had been suffering from an illness the day before.
He added: "He wasn't well and had the flu. He was really ill on the morning of the game and the doctor was around his house.
"He said he'd give it a go. That is how he is. He just plays through it.
"Imagine what he'd be like if he didn't have those injuries. Just imagine. It's frightening."
