England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Bentley defies boo boys

10 Sep 2007 - 08:25:56

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Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley has shrugged off the chorus of boos that greeted his full England debut in the 3-0 victory over Israel at Wembley.

The 23-year-old was given the bird by a large section of the Wembley crowd, having missed the European Under-21 Championships earlier on this summer, citing tiredness for his pullout.

However, an unrepentant Bentley told The Sun: "I thought it was coming. To be honest, it was probably good entertainment if you're not on the receiving end.

"But I was there making my England debut, so I'm not worried about anyone else.

"I've made a lot of strong decisions in my career, like whether to leave Arsenal and also with the decision not to go to the Under-21s. I've never, ever regretted it.

"A lot of people had a go at me, but I knew I was doing the right thing for my career, for Blackburn and for my England career.

"Those decisions make you stronger as a person and as a player and what happened at Wembley will only make me stronger.

"I was worried about fatigue come November or December this year.

"If I'm fatigued in a couple of months' time then I won't be going to the Euros. That is my goal and my dream and I really think I can push on from here."