This week saw the news that England captain Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage after a challenge from Emile Heskey in training. Through out the media it has been seen has a hammer blow to England's chances and has rightly been the major talking point of the week. Across the land households have been full of men and women desperately trying to figure out if or how England can cope without their captain.
The answer is simple. Yes they can. And the reason is, Ledley King. The Tottenham defender is no stranger himself to knee injuries and the irony is there for all to see that a knee injury may well give HIM the chance to shine on the biggest stage of them all. King has had a hugely impressive season with Spurs and has led them to a top four finish and the holy grail that is the Champions League. Both he and Michael Dawson (Ferdinand's replacement in the 23 man squad) have looked mercurial at times as they helped provide the foundations for impressive victories over the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City towards the latter end of the season. King has shown the strength of his all round game as he managed to deal with the strength of Drogba and Chelsea, the pace and trickery of Arsenal and the height of Adebayor and Man City.
For many, including myself, King was pushing for a starting place even before Ferdinand's injury. After all, the circus that has surrounded John Terry this season has led to the usually ever reliable Chelsea captain having a uncharacteristically poor season, and Ferdinand has barely played more than 3 games in a row for Manchester United. Of course it can be argued that King has not exactly been injury free himself all season, but what can be said is that this season has been a marked improvement on the last. Spurs have managed to nurse King through the season, and seem to have discovered a formula that works for them and King involving rest and only light training. King also managed to play 3 games in a week at the back end of the season, proving that if needed to, he can play many games in a short period of time.There are of course other options. Mathew Upson is one. But his lack of pace and inexperience at the top level may cost him his chance. Jamie Carragher certainly has the experience, but again the lack of pace would leave England vulnerable to the ball over the top. Which just leaves the newly arrived Michael Dawson. Dawson has yet to win his first cap for the senior side and the fact he only made the squad as a replacement perhaps signifies that Capello sees the other 2 in front of him in the que.
Which leaves King to partner Terry at the back. King's pace and covering ability will complement Terry's game and unlike Ferdinand there is never that moment where you feel he is about to implode in a moment of madness (as Ferdinand is often guilty of).
Ferdinand is not the player he once was. At his peak he was a world class centre half, however the last few seasons have seen him pick up niggling injuries which have led to a decline in his performances. King on the other hand, seems to entering his prime, Spurs are a different team with him playing, Harry Redknapp regularly hails his leadership skills and it is no surprise that when fit he walks back in to the Spurs side.
The loss of Ferdinand may well also adversely affect another England player, vital to England's success. Steven Gerrard will now captain England in Ferdinand's absence. A player who often struggles to recreate his club form for his country (although is often played out of position), this new responsibility may well bring the best out of Gerrard. Just ask any Liverpool fan who has seen their captain drag his side from the edge of the abyss to glorious raptures.
The lose of Ferdinand is certainly a blow to England, but not quite the knockout blow that our rivals will be hoping it is. England have the depth to cope without their captain and it could well prove that his replacements, both as captain and in central defence play a pivotal role in England lifting the World Cup.
However one thing is for certain, no one will be wanting to mark Emile Heskey in training this week!
