Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Tired Bentley out of squad

08 Jun 2007 - 10:46:41

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Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for this month's European Championship due to fatigue.

The 22-year-old was named Rovers' player of the season last term, but has decided a further trip to the Netherlands for the summer competition on the back of making 51 club appearances will take too much of a toll.

Bentley told under-21 coach Stuart Pearce of his decision on Thursday after returning from international duty with the full England side.

The former Arsenal wideman was an unused substitute in last week's friendly draw with Brazil at Wembley, but was omitted from the 16-man squad for Wednesday's 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Estonia.

He was also named in the startling line-up for last month's England B friendly against Albania at Turf Moor.

"The winger returned on Thursday morning after three weeks with the England senior squad following on from a long Premier League season," read a club statement.

"He spoke to under-21 coach Stuart Pearce on Thursday to explain the reasons for his withdrawal and will not fly out with the rest of the squad this morning."

Bentley has won eight under-21 caps and scored the first goal at the new Wembley Stadium against Italy in March.