The King and I can relive our schoolboy link, insists Terry
JOHN TERRY is confident he can strike up a solid partnership with Ledley King in the centre of defence – just like they did as teenagers.
King is set to get the nod to replace injured captain Rio Ferdinand and partner Terry at the back for the World Cup opener with USA on Saturday.
The pair played together for London amateur side Senrab FC as promising schoolboys before King joined Tottenham and Terry ended up at rivals Chelsea.
Now, after Ferdinand broke down with a knee injury last Friday, the pair are back together, on the highest stage, and Terry is confident they can form a winning partnership.
“We’ve got a good understanding,” the Blues skipper said. “I think everyone knows we used to play together at Senrab many years ago. The understanding is there and always has been. We’ve worked a few times in training as well so we understand each other’s games and each other really well.”
King’s chronic knee problems limits his opportunities to train alongside Terry and redevelop their understanding, but Terry insists that is not a problem.
“He still does a lot of gym work and pool work which is good for his fitness,” he added. “He is always on the side of the pitch watching on which the manager wants.”