England coach Fabio Capello may hand Tottenham captain Ledley King a World Cup midfield role.

It would represent a major gamble for the England manager, given how little football the 29-year-old centre half has played in midfield.

But with Capello increasingly concerned that Gareth Barry's ankle ligament damage will rule him out of the tournament, King is seen as one solution to the problem, says the Daily Mail.

King has not yet joined his international colleagues for training at England's high-altitude base in Austria, Capello preferring to let him rest after a busy end to the season with Tottenham.

But the Italian is delighted with King's fitness. He is confident the chronic knee condition which has so often forced him to miss matches will not prevent King from playing a major role in South Africa, be it in midfield or the back four.