© Press Association 2010.

West Ham defender Matthew Upson will replace Jamie Carragher in England's vital World Cup Group C game against Slovenia on Wednesday.

With Ledley King injured and Carragher suspended, coach Fabio Capello confirmed Upson will play in Port Elizabeth. A regular during qualifying games for the finals in South Africa, the 31-year-old will partner John Terry.

"Upson will play because he always played with John Terry and I probably will change some others," Capello told the BBC.

England, who need a victory to secure a place in the knockout stages after draws against the United States and Algeria, are running out of defensive options.

Capello was left to choose between Upson and uncapped Tottenham defender Michael Dawson who was called up as a late replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

King sustained a groin injury against the US which ruled him out for three weeks.

His replacement Carragher picked up bookings against both the US and Algeria which has resulted in a one-game ban.