New England international at Charlton Athletic

Darren Bent was called up to the England national football squad to replace the injured Andy Johnson; he thought his call up for England was a joke.

It’s an interesting selection for England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson but sort of supports his recent trend of picking new players. It’s a result of being in England for a few years and having gotten to know the younger players.

I think Eriksson has been getting some mud lately about moving on, but that’s a mistake. He’s not had the years and years other coaches have had to get to know their players. Eriksson has reached that level of understand inside England now, that’s why calling for his job is a mistake. He’ll be as prepared for the 2006 World Cup as anyone could, give the man his chance because England have the horses.

Bent has only played one Premiership game. Obviously Eriksson was impressed. He’s fast to the ball and efficient in a Ruud van Nistelrooy way.

Having moved from Ipswich in June, he overcame a slight injury and scored 2 good goals in his debut with Charlton against Sunderland. He joins the England squad for a friendly in Copenhagen against Denmark on Wednesday.

Bent has scored eight times for England's U-21 team in 12 matches but has never played for the seniors.