It is well documented King rarely trains with Tottenham and while he joined up with the England squad last night, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp questioned the wisdom of that move, confirming if the 28-year-old featured against Ukraine he could not be considered for club duty against Blackburn on April 4.

That prompted a decision today, taken with the full agreement of both the England and Spurs coaching staff, to send King back to Spurs without the player taking part in training today.

Gerrard, however, does not believe the move will undermine King’s international ambitions.

“It’s difficult to get involved. Ledley is highly thought of by his club and country. Both want him fit and ready to play and I’m sorry to see him go home,” Gerrard said in a press conference on Sky Sports News.

“It would have been nice to have him available, but he is a Tottenham player and you have got to respect whatever decision is made.

“When he is out there he is top drawer. I’ve been lucky enough to play with him a few times, when he’s fit he’s as good as anyone out there.

“I don’t know the extent of his injury problem but in terms of ability he is definitely good enough to be in the World Cup squad. We will be keeping our fingers crossed nearer the time that he will be fit and available.”