Darren Bent is confident he can continue his fine form if selected to start up front against Switzerland.
England striker hopes to start against Switzerland
Darren Bent is confident he can continue his fine form if selected to start up front for England against Switzerland on Saturday.
Bent has performed well for Aston Villa since making the move from Sunderland in January and has been a regular part of Fabio Capello's plans at international level.
He scored in the most recent Euro 2012 qualifier as the Three Lions beat Wales 2-0 at the Millennium Stadium in March, and could be in line for an attacking berth once again this weekend.
With star striker Wayne Rooney suspended this could be viewed as an excellent opportunity for Bent to establish himself in the side, but he insists he already feels like a valued member of the squad.
"I don't feel too much pressure to be honest. I have played in the last couple of games and it has gone really well for me," he said on
Sky Sports News.
Villa benefit
"I will go out there and do the best I can if I get the nod and hopefully England will win.
"I keep sitting in this chair with people asking me 'is this the time to establish yourself?' but all I can do is keep doing what I am doing for England and play as well as I can.
"And as long as Fabio Capello keeps selecting me I must be doing something right."
Bent, who insisted he did not mind which formation Capello employs at Wembley, also acknowledged that playing for Villa had benefited his international career.
He explained: "People probably questioned why I went to Aston Villa but I knew it was the right place for me to go and it has worked out well for me.
"I have loved every minute of it down there and my career has picked up as well. Long may it continue."
