Tottenham defender King has been outstanding in recent matches for the Three Lions. But with first-choice centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell available after suspension and injury, suddenly his place is in jeopardy.

No decision has been made so far on who will face Wales at Old Trafford, but King is a realist and he fears the worst.

He said: "Me and John Terry have played the last couple of games and I think we've done pretty well. But we know Rio and Sol are first choice and are likely to come in. It's quite difficult to take, but that's football.

"We haven't been told anything yet but at the end of the day we know they are the first choice. We just have to take the decision and train as hard as possible.

"Everybody is 100 per cent focused with England and it's really good for the country that we have so many good players coming through in defence - even if it makes it tough for me.

"In the end, we're a team and you need all your players together. We win as a team and we lose as a team. So whoever is not playing on Saturday will support those who are. That's what I'll be doing if I'm not playing, nobody will be sat on the bench sulking, I can promise that."

Ledley's words prove just what a mature and big-hearted character he is, and no doubt his team ethos will endear him even more to Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson - who already rates the Spurs defender highly.

There is also little doubt that even if King doesn't start on Saturday he will soon be back. After all, football history shows that no-one is ever certain of their place for club or country, and that injury or misfortune can hit at any time.

"I'll be ready if I play and ready if I don't," said King. "It's great for my confidence that I'm still in the squad with so many big-name players available again. I still think things are going well for me this season because Tottenham have got off to a good start and I've had more responsibility there and I'm enjoying it.

"Last season was difficult, playing out of position in midfield at times, but I'm back where I want to play and I have to show I'm good enough to start for England. That's my challenge.

"It's tough to be left out, if I am, but the country should be happy we have got so many good players in that position. Rio has come back in and he's been class in training. It looks like he's never been away and he's a great player, no-one can argue with that."

Whoever plays against Wales, King knows it will be no pushover at Old Trafford this weekend - especially with his Tottenham colleague Simon Davies back to full fitness and ready to take us on.

"Simon has been a great player for Tottenham in the last two seasons," said King. "He was unlucky with injury but he's back now and he's definitely a man we have to look out for.

"It's been a frustrating time for him but I know what a good player he is. He will be looking forward to this game as a way of putting himself back on track. There's been a bit of banter between us, but not too much. We've both been a little bit hesitant so far but after the game if we've got the result I'll give it a good go!

"We're friends but once you're on the pitch you don't have friends any more and I won't be scared to kick him if I have to. Let's just hope I get the chance!"