England boss Fabio Capello wants to take Tottenham captain Ledley King to the World Cup.

The Mirror says it would represent a huge gamble on Capello's part as King has been plagued by injuries and still struggles to play two games in a week because of his persistent and career-threatening knee problems.

But Capello regards King as top class, and not just back-up for John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, but a genuine contender to be in his starting line-up, especially with long-running doubts about Ferdinand's own fitness.

Capello has been hugely impressed by King's recent displays for Tottenham, particularly against Arsenal, when he played despite his knee problems.