Bent remains doubtful for England

Striker Darren Bent is a major doubt for England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia tomorrow after he was again absent from training on Thursday.Bent had missed the previous two days' sessions with a groin problem and he again failed to participate in the final session 24 hours before the game.The Aston Villa player also missed last month's friendly international against Holland - subsequently postponed because of the London riots - with a shoulder setback.The former Sunderland player had looked to be establishing himself as a regular member of Fabio Capello's attack after a spell of three goals in three matches.But his possible absence on Friday could open the door for Jermain Defoe, who scored a hat-trick against Bulgaria at Wembley a year ago.Another option for Capello would be to play the in-form Ashley Young behind Wayne Rooney - a role he has performed at club level with Manchester United.Bent was the only absentee from training as England finalised their preparations for two games in four days, which will go a long way to determining whether they gain automatic qualification to next summer's finals.They will follow up the trip to Sofia with a home encounter against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday.

Source: PA