Malcolm Macdonald is still renowned for scoring five goals for England against Cyprus in 1975.

But it might have been a different story if the Cypriots had someone like Ledley King in their back-four.

King was outstanding in Tottenham’s 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday, his efforts denying Didier Drogba, Eidur Gudjohnsson and the other Stamford Bridge superstars the breakthrough goal.

"Ledley’s performance didn’t surprise me because he is having an absolutely brilliant time at the moment," said an impressed Macdonald.

"Sven Goran Eriksson is going to have a rather nice headache because the way Ledley is playing, I don’t think even Rio Ferdinand can think he is going to walk back in the England team.

"And Sven has Sol Campbell, John Terry and Jonathan Woodgate as well. I am sure he would rather have that sort of problem than the one Berti Vogts has with Scotland, not having enough players."

King’s performance was immaculate upto the 90th minute when his muscular presence blocked Drogba as the Ivory Coast international seemed set to give Chelsea the points.

Lion of the Season - Nominations so far

Steven Gerrard 1
David James 1
Ledley King 1
Michael Owen 1
Alan Smith 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1

Every Monday TheFA.com announces the best England player from the weekend with the help of a former international. The player with most nominations in May will be named Lion of the Season.