Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Tottenham skipper Ledley King deserves a place in England's final World Cup squad.

King scored for England in last night's friendly against Mexico.

England captain Ferdinand said: said: "Ledley is a top player. For someone to play as well as he does despite not training is phenomenal. It's just disappointing he has had so many injuries and not had a sustained crack at being an international player. He will do a grand job if he is selected and comes over to the World Cup.

"The manager is putting things down in training that he wants us to implement and what we will do in these coming games. He is very meticulous in his preparation. It's all geared towards winning and that's why we're so open to any new things he brings to the table.

"We're like sponges, we want to do what we can to try and win."