Ledley King has vowed to repay the "great faith" shown in him by England head coach Fabio Capello.
King is a strong contender to partner John Terry in England's opening World Cup match against the United States in Rustenburg on Saturday after skipper Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal. The centre-back is indebted to Capello for allowing him to stick with the fitness programme he uses at Tottenham to overcome his long-term knee problem.
"It's just a different situation. I've not been involved with England and they've not seen how I work throughout the week.
"It's been a bit of a shock to the players - and maybe the staff - but the manager has been brilliant.
"He's told me to do what I would normally do. He's not a manager who is going to show favouritism to anyone.
"You have to perform and do the right things. It was flattering that he showed great faith in me.
"For him to show that faith in me is a great compliment and I'm hopeful I can repay that.
"It's great for me to have that much respect from somebody of his magnitude, a manager who has been there and done it all."