Shearer Backing Bent For The World Cup

Alan Shearer believes that Darren Bent should be given a chance to shine in South Africa if England boss Fabio Capello takes five strikers to the World Cup.

Sunderland ace Bent, like many others, has been in great form this season, although the ex-Spurs hit-man is not guaranteed a place in Capello's 23-man squad this summer.

Former England captain Shearer, who scored 30 goals for his county, thinks the likes of Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe are all shoe-ins to be included.

However, that fifth striker spot, which Capello is not guaranteed to take, remains somewhat of a grey area with Bobby Zamora, along with Bent, also having a fine season.

Bent has 24 Premier League goals this season and Shearer believes the striker's experience over the years makes him the ideal candidate for Capello should he require a late goal off the bench in South Africa.

"I think Fabio Capello has always said that he'll take players who are in form and obviously who are fit," he told Sky Sports News.

"I think there are four forwards that are guaranteed, in Rooney, Crouch, Jermaine Defoe and Heskey. If he does take another one then that's anyone's guess.

"Personally, Darren Bent has been scoring goals all season as has Bobby Zamora. If you push me then I'd have to say Darren Bent because he's probably been scoring goals for a little bit longer than Bobby.

"I think he might take a fifth striker. I think (Bent) deserves to be there or thereabouts.

"If England are struggling and need a goal in the last ten minutes then you want someone to go on who will get in a position to get and goal and Bent has proved that all season."

yeah i agree, if there is 4 strikers id say,

Rooney, Defoe, Zamora, Bent and then a fifth would be crouch

i would take rooney defoe agbonlahor (sp) zamora and bent

Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Bent, Zamora

i still think gary cahill should go

dawson