Bentley - I must perform

Midfielder under pressure in battle with Beckham

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 26th May 2008

Bentley David France v England

Bentley: Feeling the pressure

I've got to perform every time. There is no point talking a good game I have to go out and perform.

David Bentley
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England midfielder David Bentley admits he is under pressure to replace David Beckham at international level.

Blackburn ace Bentley produced an impressive campaign in the 2007/08 season to earn a place in manager Fabio Capello's squad for the two friendlies with Swtizerland and France.

And having also been called into Capello's plans for Wednesday's meeting with USA at Wembley and the match against Trinidad & Tobago on 1st June, Bentley acknowledges he is under the spotlight.

Bentley is widely considered the long-term replacement for England centurion Beckham on the right of midfield and the 23-year-old is in no doubt about expectation levels.

Difficult

"For someone like me, I'm just starting out in my international career, I have to prove a lot," Bentley said in a press conference shown live on Sky Sports News.

"Every time I go out on the pitch I have a lot to prove to the media, the fans and the manager.

"I've got to perform every time. There is no point talking a good game I have to go out and perform."

Bentley, though, accepts he faces a difficult task in dislodging LA Galaxy star Beckham.

Love

"He (Beckham) is loved by everyone. I admire him highly as a man and a player, but it will be difficult to get past him," added Bentley.

"He has got everything. I'll do my best and see what happens.

"The levels he has reached are so high, but I am here to take his place."

Bentley also admits that England have learnt a lesson from their failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and insists all the squad is now focused upon earning qualification for the 2010 World Cup when qualifiers begin in the autumn.

"It (failing to qualify) humbles you as a player and brings you down to earth. We just have to concentrate on the World Cup," concluded Bentley.