Carrick & King miss training

John Terry and Frank Lampard in training

Michael Carrick and Ledley King sat out training on Monday as England continued their preparations for the crunch Group C showdown with Slovenia.

Manchester United midfielder Carrick took a knock to his ankle during Sunday's training session and he was unable to participate 24 hours later.

However, the injury is not expected to prevent Carrick from being available to coach Fabio Capello for Wednesday's decisive encounter with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Carrick could be an option to come into the team if Capello switches to a 4-5-1 formation and decides to leave Steven Gerrard on the left-hand side.

Reports suggest, though, that if Capello does alter his tactics then Joe Cole could start on the left with captain Gerrard supporting Wayne Rooney to leave Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard in the central positions.

Also missing from the training session on Monday was King as the Tottenham centre-half continues his rehabilitation from the groin injury suffered in the opening 1-1 draw with the USA.

King was left to work in the gym and pool, and he is not expected to be available to face Slovenia, leaving Capello with another decision to make in central defence.

Having lost skipper Rio Ferdinand to a knee problem before the tournament, and now King to injury, Capello will also be without Jamie Carragher against Slovenia.

Carragher picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in Friday's abject 0-0 draw with Algeria, meaning Matthew Upson or the uncapped Michael Dawson will partner John Terry against Slovenia.