Ledley King has returned to Tottenham and will play no further part in England’s preparations for Saturday’s friendly with Slovakia nor the World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine.

The move, taken with the full agreement of both the England and Spurs coaching staff, brings a predictable end to a bizarre 48 hours.

Fabio Capello sprang a major surprise when he picked King in his 24-man squad given the defender is unable to train due to a chronic knee condition.