Euros excite Bent and Young

Euros excite Bent and Young

Published Oct. 8, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

Bent and Young were both on target on Friday night as the Three Lions booked their place at next summer's tournament. A 2-2 draw in Montenegro was enough to see England secure top spot in qualification Group G and book their tickets to Poland and the Ukraine. It was not always pretty in Podgorica, with Fabio Capello's side surrendering a two-goal lead as they stumbled over the line. They also had Wayne Rooney sent off during a forgettable second half, but Villa striker Bent admits wrapping up qualification is all that matters. "It's a massive achievement for the country," he told Sky Sports. "It's been difficult at times, but today we played well. It was a tough, tough game in the circumstances and we got the job done. We can look to the Euros now. "It was hostile. The fans made it a good event. The pitch was tight, the stadium was quite tight, so it did make it difficult at times. "But we have got the job done and I think we played well enough on the night to get the result. Unfortunately it wasn't all three points." Manchester United winger Young also believes it is important to look forward rather than reflect on an inconsistent showing in Montenegro. Asked to give his take on the qualification campaign as a whole, he said: "I have really enjoyed it, getting goals. We have got to the Euros now and the main job today was to get the point. We can now look forward." Young will hope to form part of Capello's plans next summer, but he admits no player can afford to take their place for granted. "There is always competition for places," he said. "I think the team has changed throughout the campaign. All of the players want to play for their country and give 110 per cent. It's an honour to pull on that England shirt."

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