Groin injury forces Ledley King out of World Cup

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King's World Cup appears to be over after he damaged an adductor muscle in his groin almost immediately after kick-off in the 1-1 draw with the USA.

The centre-back was replaced at half-time by Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher after complaining of feeling a tightness in the muscle.

John Terry told the England bench of the problem right after skipper Steven Gerrard's fourth-minute goal.

King battled on to half time before being replaced by Jamie Carragher, The Sun reports.

King's injury is another blow to coach Fabio Capello, who lost centre-back and captain Rio Ferdinand a week before the 2010 World Cup started.

Putting a brave face, Capello said: "We have three other central defenders, Carragher, Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson. I hope we have no more injuries. The problem is not the injuries. The problem is only the result of the game."