The Three Lions prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine next week when Slovakia head to Wembley on Saturday for a friendly.

Fabio Capello has suggested Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was guilty of double standards after failing to mention Alan Hutton’s inclusion in the Scotland squad while being highly critical of Ledley King’s call-up for England duty.

Spurs centre-back King was withdrawn on Tuesday from England’s squad for Saturday’s friendly international against Slovakia and next week’s World Cup qualifier with Ukraine.

The 28-year-old Spurs captain does not train with his club between matches because of a chronic knee condition and so was a surprise inclusion in England manager Capello’s squad.

“It’s pointless. If he plays against Ukraine there is no way he can play on Saturday against Blackburn,” Redknapp said before King’s withdrawal.

However, Scotland manager George Burley has called up Hutton even though the full-back hasn’t played a first-team match for several months because of a foot injury and only recently made his comeback in a reserve fixture.

“We followed Ledley King for the last four or five games,” Capello told reporters here on Friday. “He played very well in all the games.

“We put him in the squad. When he was here the England medical staff checked him and the first day the knee was not good,” the Italian added.

“We waited one day to understand and check the knee again. It was the same. After this we decided he can go back home.

“But I have to say something. Mr Redknapp spoke about the England national team. But (Alan) Hutton, the Scottish player, after two months of injury, is in the Scotland squad.

“I don’t understand why he spoke about Ledley King and not about Hutton. Only this. They are different problems for him.

“He (King) played the last game. He was not injured. He played. Now I am happy because I spoke with the player.”

Hutton has repeatedly insisted he is ready for the rigours of international football but Redknapp said: “He has not played a game yet, so I don’t know you can work that out.”

The Three Lions prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine next week when Slovakia head to Wembley on Saturday for a friendly.

For more fascinating features, subscribe and save 30% and use the below link?