Tottenham defender Ledley King says Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has lifted the players by staying with the England squad despite his knee injury.

Rio, 31, spent the weekend watching TV with the players and is determined not to "mope around" despite his bitter disappointment at missing out through injury.

King, now likely to take Rio's place in the side, said of Ferdinand: "Obviously he is disappointed, but he has said he is going to stay on.

"He was going to captain the side and anyone would be disappointed to miss out on the World Cup. But he has shown what a leader he is by staying here to support the team. Both he and David Beckham are an inspiration, it is great to have them in the dressing room."