Defender calls for English defensiv

Ledley King has urged his England colleagues to maintain their concentration and work hard if they wish to win the World Cup this summer.

The Spurs defender has overcome years of injury problems and was an integral figure in the second half of the season to help his team finish in the Premier League top four.

His impressive form meant that England boss Fabio Capello named him in his provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa, and King was named in the starting line-up for the friendly win over Mexico earlier this week.

It is expected that King will also play in the final warm-up game against Japan as he looks to impress the Italian manager enough to be named in the final 23-man squad for the 2010 Football World Cup.



King admits that international football is "pretty quick" and called for the rest of the England defensive fraternity to perform at the highest level as they look to progress far in South Africa.

"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," the defender said.

"You are up against top players whose movement is excellent so, if not at the top level of your game, you will get punished."

England are currently third favourites in the 2010 World Cup betting and they will need their defenders to be at their very best if they are to go all the way.

Another player clinging on to his World Cup dream is Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, who is struggling with an ankle injury but has been given assurances by the national manager.

Barry had an examination on the injury on Tuesday and the results were inconclusive. Capello confirmed whether the midfielder would be among his final 23, but has stated he sees the 29-year-old as a "really important" player for England.