Tottenham defender Ledley King's World Cup is reportedly OVER.

The Daily Star says King won't play again in South Africa after suffering a tear to his groin in the FIRST minute against the USA.

It means England boss Fabio Capello is down to his third and fourth choice centre-backs having already lost captain Rio Ferdinand through injury before the tournament.

And questions are sure to be asked of Capello's decision not to take off the Tottenham defender until half-time of Saturday's 1-1 draw, forcing King to play an extra 44 minutes which could have made the injury worse.

The loss of King, recognised as the one centre-back in the England squad blessed with pace, is a massive blow to Capello's hopes in South Africa.