Fabio Capello intends to start Darren Bent alongside Wayne Rooney in England's friendly against Denmark.
Capello praises striker's improvement this season
Fabio Capello intends to start Darren Bent alongside Wayne Rooney in England's friendly against Denmark on Wednesday night.
Bent missed out on a place in England's World Cup squad last year, but has forced his way back into Capello's plans this season.
He scored his first goal for the national team against Switzerland back in September and has been in good form since joining Aston Villa from Sunderland in January.
Capello has been impressed by the 27-year-old's form this term and is looking forward to seeing Bent in action against Denmark.
Completely different
"Bent was not as good before the World Cup as he is at this moment," said the England coach. "He was not the same player.
"I went to see Aston Villa twice. It is completely different. Before he was only playing for the box. Now, he is a player who can play for the team.
"At Sunderland before, it was important for them to go straight for the goal. I told him he had to change. He had to work a lot, press a lot.
"He has probably changed something in his mind, not only in his style."
Capello also confirmed he is keen to assess whether Bent can form a potent partnership with Manchester United forward Rooney.
"Every time I have picked him he has always been injured," said Capello of a player who has been prevented from playing on four of the nine occasions he has previously been selected by the Italian.
"But I want to see him with Rooney because everyone knows he is terrible for defenders in the box. He takes up good positions, he gets the ball. He scores."
