Hughes backs Bentley to start

The 23-year-old, who has two substitute appearances to his name, is set to battle it out with Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips for the right-sided berth after both were preferred to David Beckham.

Hughes told Blackburn's official website: "We're delighted for David. What we hope now is that he's going to get an opportunity to start games and, if that's the case, then we have great confidence that David will be able to make that right-hand side of the field for England his own."

He added: "It's been the result of consistent performances over an 18-month to two-year period, we feel.

"He's consistently hit a level that's enabled him to shine in games for us and, in fairness, when he's been involved in squads with England before.

"He just needs the opportunity to start games and if he does, then people will see the quality that he could offer."

Hughes' delight at the inclusion of Bentley was tempered by Capello's decision to overlook Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock.

Chelsea pair Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge were preferred to the former Liverpool defender, who has excelled since his move to Ewood Park last January.

Hughes said: "My understanding was that Mr Capello was at our game against Villa last week and I have to say that I thought Stephen Warnock was, along with probably Andre Ooijer, our outstanding performer on the day.

"So he's obviously seen what Stephen can do, but I guess the other left-backs must be playing exceptionally well at the moment."