Bentley shrugs off Wembley boo-boys

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Bentley pulled out of Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in the summer citing fatigue after a long season with Blackburn.

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Cool reception: Bentley

It was a decision that did not go down well with Pearce, or senior boss Steve McClaren who refused to consider the midfielder for the friendly defeat to Germany as a one-off punishment.

And when he finally did earn his England debut in the 3-0 qualifying win over Israel, the fans made their feelings known with a chorus of boos.

But Bentley, 23, insists he has no regrets.

He told the Sun: "I thought it was coming. To be honest, it was probably good entertainment if you're not on the receiving end.

"But I was there making my England debut so I'm not worried about anyone else.

"I've made a lot of strong decisions in my career, like whether to leave Arsenal and also with the decision not to go to the Under-21s.

"I've never, ever regretted it.

"A lot of people had a go at me but I knew I was doing the right thing for my career, for Blackburn and for my England career. I think Saturday proved that."

Bentley also believes his willingness to make unpopular decisions will stand him in good stead throughout his England career.

"I reckon you have to be a strong person, a strong character to make it as an international. We need strong characters in the England team," he added.

"Those decisions make you stronger as a person and as a player and what happened at Wembley will only make me stronger. But I loved it. It was brilliant and I'm still buzzing."

Bentley went on to explain that his decision to drop out of the Under-21s in the summer was made because he had his eyes on a bigger prize next year.

"I was worried about fatigue come November or December this year.

"If I'm fatigued in a couple of months' time then I won't be going to the Euros. That is my goal and my dream and I really think I can push on from here."