Bent Accepts England Omission

Darren Bent has accepted Roy Hodgson’s decision not to include him in England’s Euro 2012 squad, and is confident that the team can go on and impress in Ukraine and Poland.

The 28-year-old Aston Villa striker has already endured a three-month lay-off since he ruptured ligaments in his ankle in a challenge with Wigan Athletic defender, Antolin Alcaraz.

Bent, who has scored four goals in 13 appearances for England, had hoped to be included in Hodgson’s 23-man squad, but accepts that the former Liverpool and West Brom manager’s decision.

He said: “Roy rang me the day before and outlined the reasons he couldn’t pick me. He told me I had not played any games and he could not take the chance of taking me to a tournament.

“It was really positive. He was brilliant. As far as phone calls go, I have had three to tell me I have not made it to a major tournament; out of all of them, Roy’s was the best.”

Bent, who returned to training, earlier this month, believes that England’s recent victory against Norway augurs well for the tournament. He thinks that there is no reason why England cannot go all the way in Ukraine and Poland.

Bent started his career at Ipswich Town, and went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Spurs, and Sunderland before joining Villa, in January 2011, for £18million.

During his time at Villa Park, Bent has scored 18 goals in 38 Premier League appearances for the club.

He found the net ten times in the 2011-12 campaign, before suffering his untimely injury. He netted for England in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro in a Euro 2012 qualifier, in October 2011.

Of the other underdogs at Euro 2012, Russia are claiming much of the limelight, according to the Russia Euro 2012 odds.

Visit the Group B Euro 2012 odds, for more information on two of the favourites, namely, Germany and Holland.