Bentley questions England snub

David Bentley admits he is puzzled by his omission from the England squad.

Bentley has been a regular for Blackburn this season and has shown his versatility by playing on the wing, in midfield and up front.

He was overlooked by Steve McClaren for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel, and will instead play for England Under 21s against Italy.

Bentley feels he may have deserved a call-up to the senior squad but perhaps missed out because he does not play for one of the Premiership's top clubs.

"I'm still learning the game, but I thought playing week-in, week-out in the Premiership was enough and I still feel it's enough, especially as I play with and against international players every week," he told the Daily Mirror.

"It might be the politics of football again, I don't know.

"But I hope it's a question of time and if you come back in five years and I've played 300-odd games for Blackburn and still not been picked I might feel differently.

"If England comes then it comes, but if it doesn't then I'm still the same person, still be happy and even though I'm still slightly angry at not being picked I'll not give up."

Bentley is hoping to press his claims for a place in the England squad with a starring performance for the Under 21s at the new Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

"It will be great to play at Wembley and it will be a good game with the Under 21s," he said.

"But more importantly this game is a big occasion for me to show what I can do."