Fabio Capello today accused Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp of double standards over his reaction to Ledley King's call-up to the England squad.

Redknapp blasted Capello's decision to select the Spurs defender for the games against Slovakia and Ukraine because he was struggling with a chronic knee injury.

The 28-year-old was released from the squad on Wednesday, but it provoked an ugly row between the England coach and his Spurs counterpart.

In the latest twist, Capello said he was mystified as to why Redknapp wasn't equally outraged over Tottenham right-back Alan Hutton's inclusion in the Scotland squad.

Hutton has not played for club or country for four months due to a broken foot but, having come though a reserve game for Spurs on Monday night, he joined up with George Burley's set-up ahead of the clash with Holland tomorrow.

Capello said: "I don't understand why he spoke about Ledley King and not about Hutton. The Scottish manager put him in the squad after he didn't play for months due to being injured.

"This is the same position. I don't understand why he was happy with Scotland and not with us."

Tottenham will argue that the circumstances are different in Hutton's case as he has recovered from his injury while King is still troubled by his.

Redknapp also spoke with Burley last week and the Scotland manager claimed that, as long as Hutton came through the reserve game unscathed, he had Redknapp's blessing for the call-up.

But Capello remains unrepentent about his decision to pick King and has not ruled out doing so again. The Italian Capello in new dig at Redknapp over King added: “We followed Ledley for a long time and in the last four games for Tottenham he played all the matches. This is why I chose him.

“We hope he still has a future with England because he's a very interesting player and one of the best centre-backs in the country.

“When I choose my squad I always select the best players and, for this reason, he was here. When the staff checked the situation of his knee we then decided he could go back.”

King himself was upset to have been caught in the crossfire between the two managers, but will be lifted by the likelihood of being offered a new contract at White Hart Lane.

Standard Sport understands chairman Daniel Levy is considering extending the centre-half's deal — which has 14 months remaining — providing he can convince Redknapp of his ability to continue playing in the team.

Meanwhile, Capello also hinted that King's club-mate Aaron Lennon could start against Slovakia tomorrow in a move which may leave David Beckham on the bench.

Capello said: “Lennon is one of the most interesting young players. I have followed him the last seven or eight games, he always seems to play well. It's a fantastic moment for him and possibly he will play.”

Beckham will break Bobby Moore's cap record for an outfield player if he is granted a 109th appearance at any stage and Capello insists the AC Milan midfielder is in the squad on merit and not just because he has the chance to make history.

He said: “He is in a very good moment. I have watched him on TV the last three games with
AC Milan and he's always playing in their first XI. I have checked on him here and this is a good time for him.”

England captain John Terry hinted he may hand over the armband to Beckham as a way to mark the occasion.

He said: “I am proud to be captain and it is a bridge that we'll come across at the time. We will have to wait and see. It will be an amazing achievement if he gets to make his 100th start and also get his 109th cap.

“Whenever a player reaches a special landmark the players always mark the occasion by doing their bit by signing shirts and balls afterwards and I'm sure we'll be doing that for David.”

Capello also said he is not worried about Wayne Rooney's discipline despite his sending off for dissent in Manchester United's game against Fulham last week.

The pair held talks about the striker's behaviour this week and Capello added: “I'm very happy with our conversation. Sometimes you need to be aggressive during a game but I just hope he finds the right balance.”