Tottenham hero Teddy Sheringham has backed Harry Redknapp's call for Ledley King to go to the World Cup with England.

King again broke down with injury in Tottenham's win over Wigan Athletic last week.

But Sheringham told The Sun: "I'd gamble on him. I know how good Ledley is from my days playing with him at Spurs.

"He's the best English centre-back, apart from John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"And personally I think he's on a par with them.

"If Ledley was under 70 per-cent fit I don't think Capello would take him and I'd agree with that.

"But in South Africa Ledley wouldn't be playing every day and he's so good that I'd take him.

"If he filled in, you wouldn't miss Rio or John Terry."