Bentley - Let battle begin

Bentley stokes England midfield rivalry with Beckham

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 27th March 2008

Bentley David France v England

Bentley: Beckham rivalry

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David Bentley is determined to wrestle a place in England's first XI away from centurion David Beckham.

Bentley was expected to be given the nod to start on the right of England's midfield for the 1-0 defeat to France in Paris on Wednesday, but manager Fabio Capello opted to hand Beckham his 100th international cap.

Beckham made way for Bentley in the 63rd minute at the Stade de France as Capello examined all of his options.

And Bentley is now focused on proving that he is the long-term starting solution on the right of England's midfield.

Competition

"I'm here to take his (Beckham's) place and that's what I'll be trying to do," Bentley told Sky Sports News.

"I've got to keep myself at those levels and keep myself performing and that's what I'll do.

"I want to play for England. He wants to play for England and it will be interesting when battle commences.

"That is what football is about. It is about competition and that's what you need.

100 per cent

"I've got to keep performing at the highest level and keep myself at it.

"Every time I step on a football pitch and every time I train I will be at 100 per cent and that's what you need for England.

"You need two players who are playing at the top of their game and fighting for their position and that will bring the best out in both of us."