The Spurs centre-back is almost certain to partner John Terry in defence as the Three Lions open their World Cup qualifying campaign with trips to Austria and Poland next week.

It is a big chance for the 23-year-old to build on his performance against France in Euro 2004 when he made a huge impression on Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The young defender also knows that injured Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate and suspended Rio Ferdinand will all be challenging for his place by the time the next qualifying fixtures arrive in October.

It’s a lot of responsibility for such a young player, but after new Spurs manager Jacques Santini made him captain at Tottenham he feels he is ready for anything.

King said: "I’m a young player but I’m probably the most experienced player at Tottenham in terms of playing for Spurs. That comes with a bit of responsibility and I’ve been given the captain’s armband on a couple of occasions this season.

"That has helped too and probably taken my game on a little bit more funnily enough.

"I don’t think I’m a shouting captain, hopefully I lead by example. But you have to give orders on the pitch as a defender and communicate with the team. I don’t give too many players rollockings at the moment but maybe that will come!

"I don’t think I’ve changed too much, but maybe I’ll get more vocal the more experienced I get.

"Mr Santini has been very good with me. He’s a manager of great experience and giving me responsibility has helped as well..

"He’s asked for my opinion in certain situations and that’s great for a young guy. We have a good understanding and it bodes well for the future."

It could also bode well for England, of course, because King is a hugely promising defender with all the attributes to play at international level.

The only problem for the Spurs man, who has eight caps and one goal for his country so far, is the number of other top quality centre-backs in the England squad!

He said: "We have some great defenders in this country but if you do get your chance you can only go in there and try to do your best. Hopefully if I get the chance I can show the manager I’m worthy of playing and that he can count on me in the future.

"I’m just happy to get the chance and I have to go in there and show everyone I’m capable. That’s all I can do for now and we’ll see what happens after that. I’m determined to do well."

King is well aware that the likes of Campbell, Ferdinand and Woodgate are waiting in the wings, desperate to pull on an England shirt again. But he refuses to be intimidated.

"All I can do is think of now. I’m here at the moment and happy to be here. I have to do my best and prove I’m worthy of a place. If you get the chance you have to try and take it."