Bent and Parker will be on opposite sides in Monday night's Premier League clash at White Hart Lane after being team-mates for England's recent victories over Spain and Sweden. But they both have long-term goals after recently establishing themselves at the forefront of Fabio Capello's plans with places at next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine up for grabs. Bent said: "There are definite similarities. Scott has got into the England team at roughly the same time as I have and got the bit between his teeth. "He has said 'I'm going to hang onto the shirt' - and so have I. "We are slightly older than some members of the squad but, in terms of caps and experience, we're still breaking through. "It's weird because I feel like an older player but I feel like a younger player at the same time. "I'm just getting my opportunities lately and I have to hold onto them. Maybe Scott is in the same category. "He's playing really well at the minute and has been in unbelievable form, winning the Football Writers' Player Of The Year last season. "He's probably one of the regulars in the team now, yet alone the squad and we will have to be aware of him on Monday." Bent knows it is crucial to perform at his best on a regular basis for Villa if he is to convince Capello to include him at the Euros after not being selected for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He said: "I feel like I've got much more of a chance going to the Euros than I have in the past. "I've played in more games recently than ever before so I just have to work hard this season and keep on improving. "When there is a tournament in the following summer, it feels like you are on trial during the season with your club. "It feels like every week you go out and play, you have to do something special because you know the manager (Capello) is going to be watching." Bent, who had a spell at Spurs earlier in his career before moving to Sunderland, knows Villa will have to be at their best against his former club. He said: "It was important for us to get a win (against Norwich) before the international break after quite a few draws this season. "Spurs will be tough because they are flying at the moment. But I'm sure we will go to White Hart Lane and show what we are all about."
