Bentley drive to energise England
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Article summary
England coach Stuart Pearce has told uefa.com that he had no hesitation about selecting the "outstanding" David Bentley in his 23-man squad for the finals.
Article body
England coach Stuart Pearce had no hesitation about selecting David Bentley in his 23-man squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the Netherlands despite the Blackburn Rovers FC player's involvement with the senior squad.
Senior recognition
Winger Bentley, 22, has been called up by Steve McClaren for the home friendly against Brazil on Friday and the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in Estonia next Wednesday, just four days before Pearce’s team open their U21 campaign in Arnhem against the Czech Republic. Bentley has scored four times in eight appearances at that level, including the opening goal in March's 3-3 friendly draw with Italy at Wembley.
Bentley bubbling
"You don't have indecision about picking your best player over the two games I've been in charge," Pearce told uefa.com. "For me, against Spain I thought he was outstanding and I told him so. After the Italy game I said the same again and I mentioned his name to Steve McClaren. He looks as though he's bubbling at the moment, enjoying his football and this tournament will serve him well."
Difficult decisions
Former Manchester City FC manager Pearce had some tough choices to make in trimming the original 30-man squad down to 23. "We lost two players through injury but the rest were very difficult. To the credit of the players that we did leave out, they were so focused and supportive towards myself and the squad that it gave me a big cheer. It's a difficult phone call to make but they showed a great deal of professionalism."
Final choices
England spent a week at a training camp in Spain earlier this month and it was during this time that Pearce decided on who would travel to the Netherlands. "There were at least 19 players that I would have said were pencilled in before we even got on the plane to Spain but I think there were certainly one or two who did themselves no harm at all by their attitude, application and the ability they showed me in training."
Vaughan exuberance
Pearce named three uncapped players in his squad – Ben Alnwick, Mark Noble and James Vaughan – and 18-year-old Everton FC forward Vaughan is a player he is particularly excited about. "He's aggressive, has youthful exuberance and I think the experience he'll gain in going to a major tournament like this will be invaluable. The form he’s been in at the end of the season puts him in there on merit. His general enthusiasm for the game was demonstrated to me last week and pushed me in the right direction to include him."
Final friendly
England face Slovakia at Carrow Road, Norwich on Tuesday in their final warm-up game but will be without Bentley or goalkeeper Scott Carson, who are both on duty for the senior side. "It gives me an opportunity to have a look at one or two and make sure the fitness of all the players is where it should be," said Pearce. "I think it's a great preparation game before we leave."