King's shock at call

If Ledley King takes his chance and plays exceptionally well at the heart of England's defence in Portugal tonight he hopes it might prove his big break.

Not at Euro 2004, although that would be nice, but in the heart of a Tottenham defence which has shipped nine goals in its last three games.

King seems certain to play alongside Gareth Southgate at the heart of England's defence tonight after injuries forced the withdrawal of the other recognised centre-backs.

The 23-year-old's previous England appearances have been as a substitute, against Italy and Australia, but now he is in pole position to grab a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for a return visit to Portugal for the European Championships in June.

First he will have to resist the temptation tonight to push too far forward into the midfield role he has been asked to play for Spurs this season.

It is not a position he has sought because he was brought up as a defender, playing in the same east London boys' team as John Terry, Bobby Zamora, Paul Konchesky and Aston Villa's Jlloyd Samuel.

'I was always a central defender but then George Graham tried me at midfield for a little spell,' said King. 'After that I went back into the defence but this season I was injured and the only way I could get back into the team was in midfield because it was going well at the back at the time.

'David Pleat asked me to play there and I have been happy to do so as long as I am enjoying it.'

King is realistic enough to know that, at some point in the future, he needs to move back into the Spurs backline, if his career is really to progress. He said: 'I still consider myself as a defender and I know that, in the long term, that is where I have the best chance of playing for England. That's why it was a bit of a shock to be called up. I thought that, because I was playing in midfield for my club, my international chances would perhaps be slipping away a little so this is a big boost for me.'

The contrast in moods between now and a couple of weeks ago is also not lost on King. As he admitted, it took him 'a few days' to recover from the disappointment of Spurs' notorious FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City.

'In the end, though, you have to pick yourself up because there is no time to mope,' he said. 'The next game is just around the corner and you have to be ready for it.'

That's why he does not seem fazed by the way he has suddenly been catapulted up the ranks of England defenders. Certainly Eriksson seems convinced of his ability. The England coach said: 'Ledley is a good young player. I have seen him play several times this season. He is strong and skilful and can play in many positions. It is good to have him with us.'

King knows that he could just as easily slip down the ranks again if everyone is fit in June. But at least he has his chance to prove his worth as a defender - to both Eriksson and Pleat.

'There are some top-quality Englishborn defenders playing in the Premiership,' said King.

'John Terry is just one. He used to be a midfield player when we both played for Senrab and he wasn't that big in those days but even then, you could see he had leadership qualities.'