Hughes - Bentley should start

Blackburn boss backing youngster to have long England career

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 26th March 2008

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Bentley: In contention to start

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Mark Hughes believes David Bentley deserves to start England's friendly with France based on current form.

Bentley has enjoyed an excellent season for Blackburn and he turned in another impressive performance in the 3-1 victory over Wigan on Saturday.

The 23-year-old started England's game against Switzerland last month but David Beckham has been recalled for the clash at Stade de France and Fabio Capello has confirmed that he will win his 100th cap.

Blackburn boss Hughes does not think Bentley should be left out of the starting line-up, and has tipped his player to have a long and successful international career.

"If the team is based on current form then I'd imagine David will start, but obviously there are different issues flying around the England selection process at the moment so that might not be the case," Hughes said on Sky Sports News.

"If Mr Capello has had the proper reports from David's performance against Wigan then I'm sure he will be first choice.

"I think the way David plays lends itself to international football because he's technically gifted, he's comfortable in possession and he can regain possession, which is vital at that level.

"When he does step up to international football it doesn't faze him because he's comfortable with his ability."

Captaincy question

Hughes has also offered his thoughts on Capello's decision to make Rio Ferdinand captain in Paris as part of his plan to let a number of different players have a chance in the role.

Former Wales manager Hughes can understand Capello's reasons but finds it surprising that he has yet to select a permanent skipper.

He said: "You are looking for similar qualities as you would with a club captain, but there seems to be a process with the different players getting the armband.

"I'm not quite sure what the thinking is behind that. Maybe it's a case of somebody really grabbing hold of the role off the pitch as well as on it and that's maybe what they are trying to look at.

"I would have thought possibly it would make more sense to make an early decision on the captaincy, and then there's one less issue for everybody to discuss."