Centre back Ledley King appears to be England boss Fabio Capello’s only current injury concern as he prepares his side for their crucial World Cup Group C game against Algeria on Friday.

Talisman striker Wayne Rooney and Chelsea’s Ashley Cole, who only just recovered from a broken ankle in time to play in the tournament, both missed full training on Monday but returned on Tuesday, much to the relief of Capello and no doubt millions of England fans. Manchester United star Rooney took it easy after picking up a knock on his ankle against the USA whilst Cole was rested given the amount of football he has missed during the last campaign.

Ledley King however is another matter. The Spurs man who only just made it onto the plane has suffered from a variety of injuries in recent years and usually has been ‘wrapped in cotton wool’ between games for his club side. The immediate problem is a groin strain that could rule him out for up to three weeks, possibly the rest of England’s tournament. Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher is expected to continue his deputising role in the centre of England’s defence in a must-win match against the Africans.