The Tottenham man did well in England's final World Cup qualifier against Poland and he holds on to his place which will see him operate in front of the back line, breaking up play and supplying players further forward.

Rio Ferdinand will partner John Terry in the heart of England's defence, with Arsenal's Sol Campbell on the bench.

Wayne Bridge makes his first England appearance since November 2004 in place of the injured Ashley Cole whilst Luke Young continues at right back.

King will play behind a midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Chelsea's Frank Lampard and captain David Beckham of Real Madrid.

With King handed the task of protecting the defence, England will be hoping to give Gerrard and Lampard the freedom to express themselves and create opportunities for the strikers.

In attack, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are once again paired together. It is Rooney's first match against South American opponents whilst playing Argentina will doubtless bring back memories of 1998 for Owen.

It is the 50th time that Beckham has lead his country out and he trails only Bryan Robson, Billy Wright and Bobby Moore in the list of those players who have captained the Three Lions on most occasions.

England XI v. Argentina, International Friendly, 12 November 2005

Paul Robinson - Tottenham Hotspur, 17 caps, 0 goals
Luke Young - Charlton Athletic, 7 caps, 0 goals
Wayne Bridge - Chelsea, 20 caps, 1 goal
John Terry - Chelsea, 20 caps, 0 goals
Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United, 43 caps, 1 goal
Ledley King - Tottenham Hotspur, 14 caps, 1 goal
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool, 38 caps, 6 goals
David Beckham - Real Madrid (capt.), 85 caps, 16 goals
Frank Lampard - Chelsea, 37 caps, 10 goals
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United, 27 caps, 10 goals
Michael Owen - Newcastle United, 74 caps, 33 goals

Substitutes

Paul Konchesky - West Ham United, 1 cap, 0 goals
David James - Manchester City, 33 caps, 0 goals
Sol Campbell - Arsenal, 66 caps, 1 goal
Shaun Wright-Phillips - Chelsea, 7 caps, 1 goal
Joe Cole - Chelsea, 28 caps, 4 goals
Peter Crouch - Liverpool, 3 caps, 0 goals
Jermain Defoe - Tottenham Hotspur, 15 caps, 1 goal
Phil Neville - Everton, 52 caps, 0 goals 
Alan Smith - Manchester United, 16 caps, 1 goal
Robert Green - Norwich City, 1 cap, 0 goals
Michael Carrick - Tottenham Hotspur, 4 caps, 0 goals
Jermaine Jenas - Tottenham Hotspur, 14 caps, 0 goals