King returns to Spurs

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The move, taken with the full agreement of both the England and Spurs coaching staff, brings a predictable end to a bizarre 48 hours.

Fabio Capello sprang a major surprise when he picked King in his 24-man squad given the defender is unable to train due to a chronic knee condition.

Although King joined up with the England squad on Monday night, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp questioned the wisdom of such a move, confirming if the 28-year-old featured against Ukraine he could not be considered for club duty against Blackburn on April 4.

King was on the team bus that went to training at Arsenal's London Colney complex, but returned to the Three Lions' base in Watford without actually getting off.

Then, a couple of hours later, came confirmation of King's departure.

"Ledley King has returned to Spurs Lodge to continue his rehabilitation over the course of the international break, following discussions and assessments overnight by the medical staff of both the club and the England national team," said a statement released by the FA.

"It has been agreed by both parties that the best interests of the player are served by continuing his individual training programme at the club and he will play no further part in England's preparations or participate in the friendly against Slovakia or the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine."

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard does not believe the move will undermine King's international ambitions.

"It's difficult to get involved. Ledley is highly thought of by his club and country. Both want him fit and ready to play and I'm sorry to see him go home," Gerrard said in a press conference on Sky Sports News.