Bent relaxed over role

Darren Bent: Believes he is no longer on trial when he plays for England

Darren Bent admits he finally feels a real part of the England set-up after helping in their shock win over Spain.

The Aston Villa striker played a key role in the only goal of the game as his header came back off the inside of a post before Frank Lampard converted the rebound.

Bent, who went into the game with a record of four goals in his previous five internationals, now feels more relaxed when he pulls on an England shirt.

"I feel under less pressure in the sense that when you are not in the side so often, you feel every game is a trial," admitted Bent.

"There is a long way to the Euros. All I can do is keep trying to do well for England when I am picked and doing well for my club."
Darren Bent on the England squad Quotes of the week

"To some extent it is still the same now - but I am definitely more relaxed now.

"I've played more games consistently. Every time I've been fit since the World Cup, the manager has played me and it's gone really well."

Focused

Not that Bent is taking for granted he will be part of Fabio Capello's squad for the Euro 2012 finals.

"There is a long way to the Euros. All I can do is keep trying to do well for England when I am picked and doing well for my club," added Bent.

"I missed out on the 2006 and 2010 World Cups so I am taking nothing for granted but it would mean a lot to me to play in my first tournament."

Bent added: "When you play against Spain, who keep the ball for 80% of the time, it is always going to be difficult.

"But you've just got to wait for your chance and try and take it when it comes.

"It was a great ball in, I've managed to get my head to it and Lamps does what he does best, sniffing around and getting a goal."

Feet on the ground

Bent knows England cannot get carried away with their shock success against world champions Spain.

"To beat the world champions is a great achievement," continued Bent. "The football they play is sublime at times and it was good to get the win.

"It will be massive for team confidence but we know we can't get carried away.

"The key thing is we don't get over confident because we have beaten the world champions."