LEDLEY King insists he can forge a successful England partnership with John Terry despite their lack of playing time together during matches and on the training pitch.

King’s chances of starting the World Cup have increased with skipper Rio Ferdinand forced to withdraw with a knee ligament injury.

The Spurs defender’s long-standing problem with his knee has been well documented and means he is confined to gym work for the majority of the time.

He has also not started a match for his country in tandem with Terry since a European Championship qualifier with Estonia in June 2007.

But King believes he can overcome such obstacles, which pale into insignificance compared with the fitness battles he has had to battle with for the past three years.

He said: “We are not going to have much time to do it – regardless of me training once or twice a week.

“But I have known John for a long time, he is a great communicator on the pitch, and that is what you need. He is an experienced player, as am I, and I wouldn’t see a problem if we’re needed to play together.

“If the communication is good within the back four, you have a good chance.

“I have also been playing long enough now to know my position. I try to keep an eye on the training and especially set pieces, which are important.

“If I do that, I’ll know where to be on the pitch.”

King admits he owes a debt to Fabio Capello for allowing him to replicate the routine he has employed at Tottenham to ensure he stays fit.

He said: “The medical team and the manager here have been great.

“They said to do the things I have been doing at Tottenham and not to change things too much.”

Fellow central defender Matt Upson is expected to resume training today after being absent for a second successive session with a high temperature.

He was the only member of the 23 strong squad not put through their paces ahead of a practice match with the Platinum Stars.