Run-down Bentley out for England
Friday, June 8, 2007
Article summary
England midfielder David Bentley has withdrawn from the UEFA European Under-21 Championship citing fatigue after three weeks away with the senior squad.
Article body
England midfielder David Bentley has withdrawn from the UEFA European Under-21 Championship citing fatigue.
Senior experience
The 22-year-old played 36 of Blackburn Rovers FC's 38 games in the Premier League this season as well as eight UEFA Cup matches and six FA Cup ties. He was then part of the senior England squad that took on Brazil last Friday and travelled to Estonia on Wednesday night for a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier, without figuring in either contest. Given his selection for the full squad, Bentley had been tipped to be one of England's key men at the U21 event in the Netherlands.
'Long season'
The Football Association said: "Bentley returned on Thursday morning after three weeks with the England senior squad following on from a long season with Blackburn Rovers. Bentley spoke to U21 coach Stuart Pearce on Thursday to explain the reasons for his withdrawal." England begin their finals campaign against the Czech Republic in Arnhem on Monday and will also face Italy and Serbia in Group B, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.