Tottenham coach Les Ferdinand says Ledley King can handle playing in England's midfield.

Ferdinand has told England manager Fabio Capello he should have no qualms about playing King in the holding midfield role should Manchester City's Gareth Barry not make the plane to South Africa.

"I think if Ledley King was playing week in week out he would be a starter for England," Ferdinand said.

"We have always been crying out for a ball-playing centre half and that's what Ledley is. As well as being that, I think what he does offer Capello is the opportunity to play him in front of the back four if needs be.

"If Barry doesn't make it then Ledley can play in that role, without a shadow of a doubt.

"I think Frank Lampard once said after playing with Ledley in midfield that he was the best player he had played alongside in that role apart from Claude Makelele so that speaks volumes about how good he is in that position."