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Move over Becks, the new DB is ready rule on England's right flank
26 May 2008
make himself a permanent fixture on England's right flank.
The 23-year-old midfielder has impressed head coach Fabio Capello after a good
season with Blackburn and is optimistic at being involved in the forthcoming
friendly matches against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.
And Bentley admits it will be a tough task to put himself ahead of former
England captain Beckham in the pecking order - but he is keen to prove himself.
Right on: England and Blackburn winger David Bentley
"I know David Beckham is loved the the world over and I admire him as a man
and a player but I will be trying my hardest to challenge him for the position
and we'll see what happens," he said.
"I have to keep performing and playing to a high level and keep working hard.
"The levels David has reached are fantastic but I know I have to go every day
to training and be aiming to reach those levels and go higher.
"You want to push yourself on to the next level and I'll be looking to play as
many games as I can to push on to the next step.
David and Goliath: Bentley (left) with England team-mate Dean Ashton
"These are big games for me to try and establish myself as an international
player and push on which I want to do."
Bentley believes he is in great shape for the match despite a long season in
the Barclays Premier League and has been impressed with the training sessions
under Capello.
"I think this stage of the season your levels of fitness are high and the
gaffer keeps them up so it shouldn't' be a problem fitness-wise," he said.
"I think the training has been really good under the new boss. Every time you
step on to the training pitch he wants you to get something out of it and I
think it will only breed success for the future.
"There are a lot of people talking about there not being too much English
talent about but there are 11 top players battling for midfield places to be
picked from which is healthy and it is good to be involved with.
"For someone like me - who is just starting their international career - and I
still have a lot to prove to the media, the fans and the supporters.
"I have to perform in these games. It's no good talking a good game, now I
have to show it on the pitch as well.
"To play for England is great, especially when the new gaffer has faith in you
- it is a great feeling."
Bentley admits he is looking forward to facing Blackburn team-mate Brad Friedel
when his side line up against the USA at Wembley.
He added: "I've not spoken to Brad but they will be eager to impress and eager
to perform, in front of that many people - I am sure they will be keen to put in
a performance."
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