Source: Daily_Mail
Fabio Capello labels Darren Bent 'one of the most important players of England's future'
Fabio Capello expects Darren Bent to be a pivotal figure for England in the future.[LNB]Bent was overlooked for the World Cup, despite his 24 goals leaving him second only to Wayne Rooney amongst English-born players in the Premier League last season.[LNB]Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has never had any reservations about the 26-year-old's quality, yet it seemed Capello was not listening to frequent calls from the Stadium of Light for Bent to be given his chance.[LNB] Goal machine: Darren Bent has picked up where he left off last year with excellent scoring form[LNB]The striker was selected for the friendly against Brazil in Doha last November but failed to shine in an injury-hit team and an equally disappointing display against Japan in May meant he spent the summer on holiday in the United States rather than terrorising defenders in South Africa.[LNB]Running the rule: Fabio Capello has ear-marked Darren Bent as a key part of England's future[LNB]However, ahead of his squad announcement for next Tuesday's Euro 2012qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley, Capello has confirmed Bent -who has already scored eight times this season, including one forEngland against Switzerland last month when he collected his seventhcap - is now a key part of his plans.[LNB]'Bent is back,' Capello said. '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.[LNB]'He is probably one of the important players for the future.'[LNB]Bent is likely to start alongside Wayne Rooney next week now that Jermain Defoe has been ruled out with an ankle injury.[LNB]Certainly there does not appear an obvious like-for-like replacement for Defoe as Michael Owen's three goals for Manchester United have not been enough to convince Capello to give England's fourth highest goalscorer a chance.[LNB]What seems certain is that once again, Manchester City will provide a significant percentage of Capello's squad.[LNB]The Blues had six players on the field at the end of that impressive win in Basle last month - including Adam Johnson, who scored as a substitute against both Bulgaria and Switzerland and seems certain to start as Theo Walcott's replacement.[LNB] Bright future: Adam Johnson is another to have thrust himself into England contention[LNB]'National teams that won titles, the World Cup and the Euros, had something like this,' he said. 'Spain had players from three teams; seven from Barcelona, three from Real Madrid and one from Villarreal.[LNB]'Also, when Italy won the World Cup they had a lot of players from Juventus. It is really important to have this group because they train every day together, they play together regularly in matches. They know everything better.[LNB]'It is easier to find each other when you play together for the national team. You hope to find the same spirit and mentality in your own team.'[LNB] Sunderland 0 Manchester United 0: Tinkerman Fergie serves up a stinkerBoost for Capello as striker Rooney says 'count on me for England'England boss set to axe Ferdinand as captain of England for qualifierSUNDERLAND FC
