Tottenham captain Ledley King is in line to make a shock return for England tonight against Slovenia.

The People says he has given Three Lions boss Fabio Capello a massive boost by making stunning progress over the last week and is now on the verge of a return to action.

Initial scans revealed there was only slight damage to the muscle and the injury has been improving by the day while King, 29, has been working in the gym and swimming pool.

He believes he will definitely be fit for the last-16 clash if England get out of Group C and has told pals he reckons he has a decent chance of returning for the match in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

An insider said: "Ledley is really pushing for a return and he thinks he's got a chance of playing against Slovenia.

"People thought he would be out for weeks but he kept his spirits up because he knew he would come back.

"He knows his body and he has still got a part to play in the tournament."