Tottenham legend Ledley King chooses his England Player of the Year

In July 2012, after a long-standing knee injury, Ledley King called time on his career aged just 31.

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender was highly rated, not just by those at White Hart Lane, but by the many forwards he faced since making his debut away at Liverpool in May 1999.

None other other than former Arsenal hero Thierry Henry viewed him as one of the best: "He wasn't the toughest in terms of the battle, I had some good games against him," said the Frenchman.

"But I always admired the way Ledley King plays.

"He's the type of player who takes the ball off you and you don't even notice it."
 
King appeared for Spurs over 300 times and reached a tally of 21 caps for England. Perhaps too few for a player with so much ability.

His last outing for the Three Lions came against USA in the opening game at the World Cup in South Africa, but it ended in his substitution as he limped off at half-time with a groin injury.



Two years later and he hung up his boots for good. He remains at Tottenham in an ambassadorial role, and still keeps a close eye on the England team.

So when he was recently at Wembley Stadium to help make the draw for The FA Cup Third Round, he was asked for his Three Lions Player of the Year vote,

"Joe Hart has been an excellent performer and he’s played the majority of games for England," said King of the Manchester City keeper who he played alongside once for England.

"He’s really turned into a top world-class goalkeeper."

King added: "His form has been as good as anyone’s in an England shirt."

Do you agree with King's choice?

Gerrard, Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson and Danny Welbeck are all in the hunt this year and it's up to you which star will claim the 2012 England Player of the Year award at the inaugural FA England Awards in association with Vauxhallat St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.

To make your choice count select your chosen player in each category in the polls below and click ‘VOTE’.
The voting period will close at midnight on Sunday 13 January 2013.