Bent netted twice and Agbonlahor once as Villa overcame visiting Norwich 3-2 on Saturday in the Premier League. Bent is now an established member of the England side, with four goals in his last five appearances for his country. But he is confident that Agbonlahor, who set up his two goals against the Canaries, could also make the step up if chosen by Fabio Capello. Bent said: "Everyone knows that there is a void there to be filled by England next summer (at Euro 2012) with Wayne Rooney suspended for the opening three games (pending an appeal). "There is no reason why myself and Gabby cannot get in the England team together and it should help England that we play week in and week out together at club level. "There is no doubt that Gabby is right on top of his game and he has really stepped forward and up to the mark this season." Agbonlahor struggled to find his best form during a difficult campaign under Gerard Houllier but has been back to his best under new Villa boss Alex McLeish. But McLeish has challenged him to produce his top form every week if he is to become a top-class player. The Scot said: "Gabby is showing a phenomenal appetite for things right now. Long may that continue. "For guys like Gabby, when the expectation levels are there to produce something on the day, that's the pressure for them and all top players. "If he is going to be a top player and play for England as well, he's got to do that every week. "He's got to work like that every week and he's been an all-round player for us this season." McLeish was pleased his side showed the resilience to hold on for victory after dropping nine points from winning positions this season. He said: "Credit the players for the mental toughness they showed at the end. They've lost sucker goals this season. "But they held firm and that's great credit to them and we've got to build on that. "We've lost points from winning positions so it was key to close that game out. "But we've also been in positions where we've been losing and come back and showed real character. It's been a mixed bag. "Against Norwich we held firm and that will give the players a lot of confidence." Canaries boss Paul Lambert was unhappy with his side's defending but has taken heart from their general form since being promoted. He said: "Villa is a tough place to come. We got off to a great start but then lost a silly goal for their equaliser and an even worse one in the second half. "The players kept on going but we just couldn't pull it around. The lads have in abundance (the ability) to fight to the very end. "It was just one game too many for us to try and pull it back. "The recent form has been good. We are not a pushover which is really pleasing and we keep on going and, if we can keep that up in the coming months, we will be okay." Anthony Pilkington's stunning free-kick put Norwich ahead but then Bent and Agbonlahor took command with their three-goal show before Steve Morison's reply set up a thrilling finale.
