Sunday, June 10, 2007
Too tired to play for England
David Bentley's senior England ambitions are in tatters after he left his Under-21 team-mates in the lurch yesterday. The Blackburn winger gave just 24 hours' notice before withdrawing from Stuart Pearce's squad, who flew to Holland yesterday for the European Under-21 Championship.The player cited fatigue for his absence - and that means he can't be replaced because he is not injured.
Bentley's late let-down left Pearce and the Football Association fuming and the England U-21 boss launched a angry attack on the commitment of the Rovers star.
But Blackburn manager Mark Hughes backs Bentley's decision, fearing his key man could suffer burn-out next season if he plays this summer.
However Bentley, who had just broken into the senior squad, could find himself out in the cold with Steve McClaren next time the full England squad is announced, as punishment for his attitude.
