Darren Bent and England

[Browney]

Ok, I know what you're thinking; a Sunderland fan is going to tell you a Sunderland player deserves an England place... Well you're right. In a way.

He's on hot form for us at the moment, in joint 2nd place in the Premier League goal scoring stakes being above players like Adebayor, his old team mates Keane and Defoe whilst rubbing shoulders with Drogba and Rooney, and only 2 goals behind Torres. It's obviously early days, but it's looking promising for his career in the north east.

He's pretty consistent as well. Always seems to grab in and around 20 goals a season, and he has proved himself at the top level. At Tottenham he was their top scorer in the 2008-2009 season, scoring 17 goals.

However, he's only played for England four times. And what I'm really asking is, do you think if Bent had a good enough season he'd be on that flight to South Africa? Fabio Capello has always said he picks players on their form, but can Bent really force the manager to leave one of two of Bent's former Hotspur teammates, the in-favour Heskey or the world-class Rooney at home?

I personally think Bent is good enough for England, but Defoe is better. And Capello likes to have a big man upfront in either Crouch or Heskey so I shouldn't have thought Bent would fill in their massive shoes. And then we come to Rooney. Let's just not say anything. So as much as Bent is good enough for England, the shame is there are better options.

[Jack.Lfc]

Yeh i wouldnt mind to see him in englands team, couldnt give a **** about england but he deserves it.

[Immenseman]

I think Capello is spoilt for choice. See who can remain consistent over the season.

[StefanWolves]

It's hard, Defoe & Rooney & Bent & Crouch & Agbonlahor & Carlton Cole are in or coming into form... hard decision.

At this moment I'd have to say Defoe & Rooney, with Bent hot on their heels - Crouch, Agbonlahor, Cole, and Owen on their tails though IMO.

And for some reason I just get the feeling Capello will pick Heskey... again.

[adaym]

I'm sorry but Rooney shouldn't be allowed near an England team. There's many others I'd rather have than him.

[StefanWolves]

I'm sorry but Rooney shouldn't be allowed near an England team. There's many others I'd rather have than him.

Statement of the century, so your saying that we shouldn't have one of the top 3 bests strikers in the world in our national team?

Have you been watching England lately? Rooney has been our best player for the past 5 games.

[adaym]

I disagree and I know it's a bold statement but I think we'd be much better off without him. It'd happen something like this:

Green

Johnson Upson Terry Cole

Barry/Carrick

Gerrard Lampard

Young -------------------- Walcott

Defoe/Bent

I know it's never going to happen but that's how I'd play the field. Obviously Rooney is going to be included because of who he is and yes I know he's a good player but I think the team would be better off without him. Bold statement, just my opinion though.

[FlyingJesus]

A large problem with picking a team is that people don't always perform the same internationally as they do domestically (see: Frank Lampard and/or the entire Dutch international squad). That said Rooney really is necessary, I don't "like" him particularly but he's a cracking striker and brings up morale

[Flamedragon3]

I always thought Bent was a great player and was suprised to see Spurs let him go, especially since they decided to give him a chance and he was getting 2/3 goals every few games, which was just incredible. Concerning him towards other players in the England squad and it really becomes difficult for him.

Rooney and Defoe should easily be England's main strikers in my opinion, with Cole and Crouch as subs. Only after them four strikers would I say that Bent is able to get into the squad. I don't even understand how Heskey managed to get back in? He's just awful! And doesn't even play for Villa as much anymore. :S

If any of Rooney, Defoe, Cole or Crouch were to get injured, then Bent should easily be on the bench, with a deffinate chance of playing 15-20 mins as a sub, only then can we really see if he would be good enough for the England squad. Never know, he may get a hat trick.

[luce]

I'm sorry but Rooney shouldn't be allowed near an England team. There's many others I'd rather have than him.

You've just proved you no nothing about the England team?

I don't see why heskey should be chosen either he can't play at that level any more i would feel better with crouch up there even though i don't think much of him as a player although he is huge (i met him at alton towers once).

As for owen working his way into the squad.. well i like him but i think he would have to have an amazing season for united playing almost in the starting line-up scoring about 12-16 goals.