Why Ledley King and not Michael Dawson should go to the World Cup

Injuries: but Ledley King is still one of the finest centre halfs in England
11 April 2012

It is likely there will be room for only one Tottenham centre half to squeeze in to Fabio Capello's World Cup squad at this late stage and if so, the Italian has to pick Ledley King over club team-mate Michael Dawson.

The latter has had a fine season, but England would benefit far more from having the exemplary King in their ranks rather than the inexperienced Dawson.

King is one of the finest centre halfs in England and if he hadn't been troubled by a persistent knee injury over the past few years, he would actually deserve to be in the first XI on merit.

Last week he made his first start for Tottenham in two months against Arsenal having not done much training and was the class of the field.

He would be the perfect back-up, not Matthew Upson, to main centre back pairing Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. As the games in South Africa are fairly spaced out, he can certainly play one or two matches if required.

Dawson has impressed for Tottenham of late, but this is no time to throw a rookie into a tournament of this magnitude.

He has 13 caps at England Under 21 level, but that is not enough to prepare him to take on the very best players in the world.

At 27, he still has time to make an impact on the international scene, however Capello should save him for the European Championships and give King his deserved chance to play at the highest level one more time.

Nice guy Ancelotti

After Chelsea's dismal showing against Tottenham, coach Carlo Ancelotti could be forgiven for feeling the pressure of the title race and perhaps not wanting much company. Far from it, the Italian took some of his fiercest critics out to dinner instead.

I was one of the lucky ones to have the pleasure of Ancelotti's company at an Italian restaurant earlier this week and was grateful for the opportunity to dine with a man who could so easily forgive and forget.

He was surrounded by journalists who had at one time or other this season written him off and yet he was more than happy to share a joke or anecdote from his distinguised career as a player and a manager.

To any observers, it may have looked like someone eating at a table surrounded by Judas's, but he doesn't feel betrayed, he understands the nature of the media profession.

How can he not? His daughter is now trying to make a breakthrough in the industry with Sky Sports, while it could be argued he gets an easier time of it here than when he was back in Italy in charge of Parma, Juventus and AC Milan.

With three League games to go and just a one point lead over Manchester United, some may feel there is a genuine possibility that the 50-year-old could live up to the phrase 'nice guys finish last'.

If there is any justice, Ancelotti will be one nice guy who gets to finish first come May 9.

Dowie's in the last chance saloon

Iain Dowie is famous for coming up with the phrase 'bouncebackability' - it is a pity for current club Hull that his managerial career has failed to live up to the definition of the word.

Dowie seemed to have a very good future ahead of him when he guided Crystal Palace into the Premier League in 2004.

He talked a very good game and his press conferences were always entertaining affairs, but soon it became evident that he was actually just full of hot air.

Former Palace chairman Simon Jordan always blamed him for the club's relegation one year later, as well as the failure to get the club promoted back again at the first attempt, having had a lethal Andy Johnson at his disposal.

Dowie's ego then took him to rivals Charlton, where he lasted just 15 games, while spells in charge of Coventry and QPR also quickly ended with the sack.

Just over twelve months ago he joined Newcastle as assistant to Alan Shearer to attempt a rescue mission, but they too ended up in the Championship.

Last month Hull turned to Dowie to maintain their top flight status after firing Phil Brown, but it looks like he is taking them down as well.

Dowie is still sounding impressive, but results are a true indication of a top coach. If Hull don't beat the drop, then surely his chances of getting another top job at this level will be over once and for all.

Arsenal have supplied more ammunition in their past two defeats to warrant more lengthy criticism in this column. But like their opponents have found when facing Arsene Wenger's back four, it is just too easy.

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