Bent puts down England 'marker'

Bent puts down England 'marker'

Published Feb. 10, 2011 10:00 a.m. ET

Darren Bent is hoping he has made a strong claim for regular England selection after an impressive performance in the 2-1 win over Denmark.

Aston Villa's record signing is aware of the fierce competition for places up front.

But Bent followed up his first goal for his country against Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifier in September with the opener against the Danes.

His club-mate Ashley Young netted the second-half winner as England came from behind to triumph after Liverpool defender Daniel Agger's early opener.

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Bent said: "I was happy to get 90 minutes. Fabio (Capello) felt it was right to start me and I managed to get a goal and was happy with the performance.

"My club form has been good and, since I've gone to Aston Villa, everything has gone right.

"I can put a marker down in terms of a regular place but there are a lot of good English strikers around.

"It was only a couple of games ago that Jermain Defoe got a hat-trick (against Bulgaria) so there is big competition.

"But, as long as I can keep going, keep my club form up and keep trying to put in performances when I'm picked for England, then anything is possible."

Bent was full of praise for the performance of Young who slotted into the second striker role he has been operating in at club level this season.

He said: "I thought Ashley Young was fantastic when he came on and he has been the same for Villa as well.

"But it was a good team performance. The boys did well. Denmark are a good side, they play good football but I thought we coped well tonight."

Bent converted a low cross from Theo Walcott after 10 minutes to cancel out Agger's header.

Then Young was put clear by Glen Johnson and slipped the ball wide of former Villa team-mate Thomas Sorensen for the winner.

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