• World Cup

Bent disappointed to miss out

ESPN staff
June 2, 2010
Darren Bent will not get the chance to pull on an England jersey this summer © Getty Images
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Darren Bent has admitted his omission from England's final 23 for the World Cup has left him with an intense feeling of disappointment.

Bent was a shining light for Sunderland, with Wayne Rooney the only English forward to score more goals than Bent in the Premier League last term. The forward's claims on form were strong, which England boss Fabio Capello claimed at the start of his tenure would be the basis for his selection, but he missed out in favour of Emile Heskey.

The forward is now looking forward to the new season with Sunderland, but is likely to take some time to get over the setback.

"I feel really disappointed," Bent told Sunderland's official website. "I have always said to myself, if you play well and do your best for Sunderland, then there is a chance you can go to the biggest tournament in the world. But obviously on this occasion it has not worked out.

"Straight away from when Mr Capello spoke to me and told me I wouldn't be involved in the 23-man squad my thoughts turned to next season and how I can improve on what I have done for Sunderland this year.

"I am going to take some time off now and rest my bones after what has been a great season for me and get ready for next year. It's a case of fully concentrating on my football for Sunderland and doing my best for them.

"Of course, I still want the boys to do well. I have got a lot of friends in the England set-up. They are a great bunch of lads and, even though I won't be there, I will be supporting them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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