Bentley rues French trip

Blackburn wide man not enamoured by 'half-hearted' display

Last updated: 1st April 2008

Bentley David France v England

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David Bentley admits playing for England last week in Paris was a less than pleasurable experience.

The Blackburn wide man replaced David Beckham for the last half hour of the 1-0 defeat to France but overall was not enamoured with how the game panned out.

Of the opinion that England produced a 'half-hearted' display due to key players having their thoughts on this week's UEFA Champions League games, Bentley believes the Football Association got it wrong to organise a friendly at such a key stage of the season.

Eight of those that started at Stade de France came from England's top four clubs and given they are all in European action this week, it is perhaps no surprise the game turned out to be a non-event.

Strange atmosphere

Bentley added: "It was a strange game. It wasn't very enjoyable. It wasn't the best of games watching from the bench.

"It's the stage of the season we're at. I don't think there should be a game like that anyway.

"I think it was a difficult situation. A lot of the lads are preparing themselves for the Premier League and the Champions League so it can be difficult to play a game like that for both sides. It was a half-hearted, 50 per cent effort.

"Everyone wants to play well for England but sometimes it just happens like that.

"It wasn't enjoyable for me but you try to have an effect on the game, you go out there and try to have an effect but it is difficult to get into a game like that."