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Bent not expecting starting role

ESPN staff
February 10, 2011
Darren Bent was pleased to get on the scoresheet for England against Denmark © Getty Images
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Darren Bent admits he does not expect to become first-choice for England, despite finding the back of the net against Denmark.

The Aston Villa striker scored the equaliser as Fabio Capello's side fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 on Wednesday night, but he is under no illusions as to the difficulties he will face trying to cement a regular starting position.

"I can try and put a marker down but there are a lot of good English strikers around," Bent said. "It was only a couple of games ago that Jermain Defoe got a hat-trick [against Bulgaria] so there is big competition.

"But as long as I can keep going, keep my club form up and keep trying to put in performances when I'm picked for England, then anything is possible.

"I was happy to get 90 minutes. Fabio felt it was right to start me and I managed to get a goal and was happy with the performance."

Bent's Villa team-mate Ashley Young grabbed the winner on Wednesday - leading Capello to praise the duo - and the former Sunderland striker is not at all surprised to see the 25-year-old shine.

"I know what Ash can do. I've seen it at first hand since I came to Villa," he said. "He has been showing that form since I went to the football club. He has been brilliant week in and week out.

"But it was a good team performance. The boys did well. Denmark are a good side, they play good football but I thought we coped well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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