England boss Fabio Capello has told Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand he's in his World Cup squad - if he is fit.

Capello's predecessors have made the mistake of taking semi-fit players to tournaments, but the Italian said: "The players with us in South Africa will be all fit. It's impossible to wait for one player. Little things are okay, but bigger problems and they will not be there.

"If you have to recover someone it's no good. When we go it will not be the warm season, when it is easier to recover. It will be cold in South Africa."

The fact Ledley King cannot play matches in quick succession has effectively ruled the Tottenham captain out of selection, despite his club form. Capello will be making sure his players are all fit to play consecutive matches before next year's tournament.

"If Rio will play the games before the last squad, for me he is fit and will go to the World Cup," he said.

"In that situation he can stay. We spoke about King and it is impossible for him to stay with us. Sometimes he trains Friday to play Saturday."