Tottenham defender Ledley King insists there has been no talk among the players about Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor as England prepare for the clash with Uruguay at Anfield tomorrow night.

The match against the South Americans is the only friendly scheduled for England between now and the end of the domestic season, although fixtures against Hungary and Jamaica are pencilled in for late May and early June.

Eriksson's reign as coach will end after the World Cup but King said there has been no talk about his possible successor while the squad have been together.

"It has been a while and quite a bit has gone on since the last time we met up," said King, who has started the last two England internationals in a midfield holding role.

"It is good to get back together, show a bit of team spirit again and enjoy each other's company before, hopefully, going to the World Cup. It is not far away now and everyone realises that.

"Now is the time to start preparing and focusing on the World Cup.

"I think all the talk has probably gone on at the clubs. It is forgotten about now and while Sven is in charge everyone has got 100% faith in him and we wouldn't talk about another manager while we are with England."

King believes the clash with Uruguay will help them prepare for their meeting with Paraguay in their World Cup group in Germany.

"I think you can get a feel of what type of opponents you will be up against, but obviously they are two different teams," said King.

"You can get an idea over the styles of play and culture, what type of tackles you can make or expect to receive."

Meanwhile, Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has been made captain of the Republic of Ireland.

Keane is the first captain appointed by new coach Steve Staunton and he replaces retired Kenny Cunningham. Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is vice-captain.

Keane, also vice-captain at Spurs, will lead the national team out for the first time in Wednesday's friendly against Sweden in Dublin and Staunton said: "Robbie is a world-class player. Spurs have given him a lot of responsibility and he's handled it very, very well.

"Our lads respect him - the utmost respect - and I've given him a little challenge with this as well. He's certainly up for it and I'm sure he will do a good job. He'll be very proud to do that job as well."

Keane is the Republic's record goalscorer with 24 goals and has won 65 caps.

Staunton added: "If you have the respect of the players that's a big plus to start with and the fans see him as an icon.

"You only have to listen to the chorus on Wednesday night, the fans take to him, he responds as Shay does at other end.

"Those factors and the added responsibility will bring him on as a person and can make him an even better player."