Fabio Capello backs Darren Bent's England aspirations
England head coach Fabio Capello has spoke of Darren Bent’s importance to future England squads. The Sunderland striker has found himself out-of-favour with the Italian since he became
England boss, surprisingly missing out on the 23-man World Cup squad, despite an impressive domestic season.
But now, with Capello keen to bring in fresh blood to his England squads, after the disappointing early exit from the World Cup, Bent has found himself at the forefront of those new plans.
"He is probably one of the important players for the future,"
Capello told the Football Association’s official website.
This is all in stark contrast to a situation where Bent was perhaps receiving call-ups to the squad more out of necessity, rather than Capello actually wanting the striker in his plans.
He could hardly be ignored considering his excellent club form, but Capello seemed reluctant to ever give him a proper chance on the international stage, instead opting to use Emile Heskey, who had struggled for form throughout last season.
However, Bent impressed in his cameo against Switzerland last month, scoring a goal and with Jermain Defoe still out injured, he may well get his chance from the start against Montenegro
on Tuesday evening.
Capello was quick to talk up the former Charlton and Tottenham man’s quality.
"In front of goal, he is really dangerous. He played 20 minutes against Switzerland and scored an important goal. Now he is training really well,” stated the Italian.
Capello came in for some criticism for having chosen older players for England's World Cup side rather than younger, fresher legs like Bent's.
Bent has already hit five Premier League goals this term and when given minutes on the pitch, he almost guarantees goals. Sometimes his play isn’t always particularly easy on the eye,
but his instinct in-front of goal should not be underestimated. He’s an asset to any side with his poacher instincts so it will come as relief not only to the player, but also the fans to know he is very much a big part of Capello’s ‘new’ regime.
Tags: