Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce backs Bent to impress England boss
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce hailed Darren Bent after the striker was named in England's 30-man squad ahead of next month's World Cup Finals.[LNB] "The call-up is Darren's reward for an excellent first season for us. What Darren has done for Sunderland this season is nothing short of fantastic - you can't argue with a return of 25 goals," said the Wearsiders' boss.[LNB] "He has all the attributes needed to make a big impact on the international stage. Darren's finishing ability is exceptional and that's a key asset when you're playing on a big stage like the World Cup."[LNB] "Hopefully he can impress Mr Capello and earn a place in the full squad. We're all rooting for him."[LNB] Bent has five full international caps and finished as the second-highest English goal scorer in the Premier League last season with Wayne Rooney scoring just two more league goals.[LNB] Fabio Capello's side will now play Mexico in an international friendly at Wembley on Monday May 24 before travelling to Austria to face Japan in a final World Cup warm-up match on Sunday May 30.[LNB] England's final 23-man squad will be announced on Tuesday June 1 ahead of the nation's opening World Cup fixture against the USA on June 12.[LNB]
