Tottenham defender Ledley King maintains Euro 2012 ambitions

Ledley King went to the 2010 World Cup but pulled out through injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham captain Ledley King has insisted he has not given up hope of gatecrashing England's European Championship plans.

King, 31, has not played for his country since Fabio Capello's decision to pick him for last year's World Cup backfired.

The defender, who struggles to play more than once a week due to a chronic knee problem that limits his ability to train, played only 45 minutes of England tournament opener against USA before picking up a groin injury that ruled him out of the rest of the ill-fated campaign.

But King still harbours ambitions of a recall, telling Football Focus: "I haven't given up.

"It's in the back of my mind but it's getting further and further away."

King made only nine appearance for Spurs last season but has managed seven already this term.

His importance to the cause is summed up by the fact they have taken 19 out of a possible 21 Barclays Premier League points when he has featured.

But he accepts his inability to train and the difficulties he has playing twice a week could ultimately scupper his Euro 2012 ambitions.

"I realise, going to the World Cup, how difficult it can be for a person in my position who doesn't train," he said.

"Going away with England you really need time on the pitch, you need to gel and bond as a group.

"It's difficult for me to do that and, to be fair to the manager, (general manager) Franco Baldini and the other staff were great to let me do what I've been doing at Tottenham.

"But it's a lot easier here where I know everyone and everyone understands. It's a difficult situation."

PA