Bent return to boost England’s striking options at Euro 2012
ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has received a timely boost after Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish revealed striker Darren Bent may yet recover in time to play at this summer’s European Championship.
Bent, 28, was ruled out for around three months after rupturing his ankle ligaments during Villa’s 0-0 Premier League draw against Wigan in February, and though there is little hope of him playing at club level again this season, his return will strengthen Hodgson’s slim-looking attacking options.
Following an indifferent start to his international career and missing out on two World Cups, Bent’s impressive domestic form made him a regular under Fabio Capello towards the end of the Italian’s reign. Now Hodgson, typically a fan of orthodox strikers like Bent, can consider him for his Euro 2012 squad, set to be announced mid-May.
“The doc thinks he’s [Bent] got a chance for the Euros, though, he’s talking about four or five weeks [until he’s ready to play],” said McLeish. “I’m not sure if he’s at the level of striking a ball yet, but he can’t be far away from that now.”
With Wayne Rooney suspended for England’s first two games, Hodgson’s other strikers may include Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Jermain Defoe or Peter Crouch, though none are established at international level.