Ferdinand backing Bent

Defender believes striker is doing all he can to make World Cup squad

Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ferdinand backing Bent

Bent: Ferdinand backing

Everyone who is English has a chance of getting into that World Cup squad.

Anton Ferdinand.
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Anton Ferdinand insists Darren Bent is doing everything he can to force his way into England's World Cup squad.

The Sunderland striker took his Premier League tally for the season to 18 with a hat-trick in Tuesday night's 4-0 romp against Bolton.

Bent's return is more impressive given the Black Cats' dismal recent form, with their success against the Trotters snapping a 14-game winless run.

Fabio Capello has offered the Wearside favourite little encouragement with infrequent inclusions in his squad ahead of this summer's showpiece tournament in South Africa.

But Sunderland defender Ferdinand feels that with only Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba ahead of him in the scoring charts, Bent can do little more to impress.

Incredible

He said: "It showed what a great striker he is, not only in terms of his goals, but also in his work off the ball and his work to bring other people into the team.

"Darren and Kenwyne Jones were the heartbeat of our team. The way they played got all the rest of us up for the game.

"Kenwyne was unplayable at times and, when he is like that, it helps Darren and brings other people into the game and creates other chances.

"Darren is right up there with any other striker in the Premier League. His record shows that. It's incredible.

"He's up there with the best but it's not just about the goals, it his all-round game. He's coming together as a pair with Kenwyne, which is nice to see.

"Everyone who is English has a chance of getting into that World Cup squad. All they have to do is keep playing well for their club. If they do that, you can't ignore people who are doing well."