King steps up recovery

Ledley King returned to the training ground on Thursday morning as he stepped up his recovery from a groin strain.

King suffered the injury during the early minutes of England's draw with the United States in Rustenburg on June 12, since when he has been consigned to gym work.

Admittedly, King did not do any contact work, and was restricted to an individual session.

However, King's appearance will give hope that Fabio Capello might have him available sooner than anticipated, if not for the last-16 clash with Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday, then for a potential quarter-final meeting with either Argentina or Mexico in Cape Town the following weekend.

The Football Association have never put a timescale on King's recovery, although three weeks was suggested, which would keep the 29-year-old out until the World Cup semi-finals, should England get that far.

Aaron Lennon, who was replaced by James Milner for Wednesday's victory over Slovenia, is suffering from an ankle injury and did not train at all this morning.

Michael Carrick, who is yet to play a part in South Africa, has a similar problem, with the men who were involved against Slovenia all consigned to gym work, including Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker was substituted after suffering a kick on the ankle during the second-half of yesterday's game, although the England camp are confident he will be fit to face Germany.