Ledley King admits he has doubts over switching to a midfield role against Japan.
Spurs defender wary of changing to midfield role
Ledley King admits he has doubts over switching to a midfield role in England's final World Cup warm-up game against Japan.
The Tottenham defender marked his return to the international stage for the first time in three years by landing the opening goal in England's 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley on Monday night.
Rumours have surfaced that Fabio Capello is set to employ King in a holding position in front of the back four in Graz on Sunday.
But King is uncertain whether his knee, which prevents him from training between matches, would hold up under the strain of the change.
Unsure
"Do I fancy a holding midfield role on Sunday? I don't know, I am not sure about that. A lot has changed since I last played there," said King.
"With not training, midfield is a different role, it is different on the body. I've got kind of used to playing at the back and adapting to certain movements.
"Midfield would be a totally different role so we will have to wait and see, one I'm willing to try if it was the case and I was asked by the manager."
King has defied the odds by making Capello's provisional squad despite his well-documented knee setbacks, and the Spurs man is determined to make the final cut after coming this far.
"I always believed I could play at this level - but then you start to have your doubts, with the way the knee was going, that you will do so," he added.
"It is probably a bit of a surprise how the season turned around but playing in a World Cup is everyone's dream.
"It is the biggest tournament in the world, the calibre of players you play against are from the top, top level.
"Every kid dreams about lifting the World Cup and playing in one. It is something I've watched since I was a young boy so it would be a dream to play in it for me."
King admits his personal performance against Mexico was below par, despite his early goal, and is well aware of the extra pressure that comes with playing international football.
Concentration
"I didn't think international football is as quick as the Premier League although I'll have to change my mind after the first half against Mexico. It was pretty quick," he said.
"But it is definitely more about concentration. I've always felt that. I've learnt that again, that you have to be focused and keep your concentration for 90 minutes.
"You are up against top players whose movement is excellent so, if not at the top level of your game, you will get punished."
