Tottenham s injury prone defender Ledley King s World Cup may be over after he was substituted at half time in England s disappointing 1-1 draw with USA yesterday. King picked up a first-half knock and was replaced at half time by Liverpool s Jamie Carrag

Tottenham's injury prone defender Ledley King's World Cup may be over after he was substituted at half time in England's disappointing 1-1 draw with USA yesterday.

King picked up a first-half knock and was replaced at half time by Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, adding to England's defensive worries after the withdrawal through injury of captain Rio Ferdinand before a ball was kicked in the tournament.

In pre-match interviews, King had told reporters that he wanted to prove in the World Cup that he could play more than one or two matches in succession on the international stage, but the injury blow leaves him struggling to be fit for what is now a crucial encounter with Algeria on Friday night.

Slovenia went to the top of the group by beating Algeria 1-0 in a lack-lustre tie today, and anything less than victory will on Friday will be a real body blow for England's World Cup hopes.