10 October 2005
Ledley King press conference

Tottenham's Ledley King talks to the press ahead of the final Group Six qualifier against Poland.


Click here to read the full transcription from Ledley's press briefing

Ledley King says he is being inspired by his great friend Ashley Cole as he bids to step-up his England career.

The Tottenham star is being tipped as a candidate to fill the defensive midfield role normally held by Steven Gerrard , who is injured, when the Three Lions face Poland on Wednesday.

And although it isn’t his usual role, centre-back King believes it could be a major stepping stone in his bid to become an England regular.

The Spurs man has been in and around the England squad for a long time now, making a memorable contribution against France in Euro 2004.

But he only has to look at one of his best friends to see what can be achieved in a short space of time in football.

He said: "Of course I can take inspiration from Ashley. He burst onto the scene so quickly - at international level as well.

"Each season he has become better and better, and he’s talked about as one of the best left-backs in the world now.

"You look at someone like me, I still realise what you can achieve through hard work. I grew up with Ashley and now he’s one of the best left-backs in the world.

"That’s a nice thing and something that makes me realise that if you work hard enough it can happen to anyone."

King still remembers his performance against France last year with fondness and is keen to continue his international learning curve.

"People were wondering if I was good enough at that level before the France match, but I proved it in that game.

"But I’ve not done it on a consistent basis yet, there’s still lots for me to prove and if I get the chance that’s my next aim."

King still sees himself as an out-and-out centre-back, but if asked to do a different job for England against the Poles he is ready for action. After all, he came on as a defensive midfielder late in Saturday’s game against Austria and felt comfortable.

He said: "I spoke to the manager before the game and he mentioned it was possible, so I knew before hand. It’s something I had done for a little while at Tottenham so I was quite comfortable with it.

"To be honest, it’s great to be in the squad and to get on the pitch is great for me also. If I can do that by playing different positions I’m happy to do that."

King has matured a lot in the last year, not least thanks to his new role as Tottenham’s captain. And if he is required to shout out a few orders in midield at Old Trafford he won’t shirk from that duty.

He said: "It’s up to all the players to do that, anyone who is on the pitch needs to take charge at times. If there’s something that’s not right then vocally you have to tell the team that. I expect anyone to do that. It’s part of growing up and it comes with experience but everyone in the squad is experienced now and it’s part and parcel of football.

"Being captain of Tottenham over the last year or two has probably helped me to grow in that way. It’s something I wouldn’t have problems with on the pitch now."

Click here to read the full transcription from Ledley's press briefing