Bentley ready to fight Beckham for England place
David Bentley wants his England place back
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Thursday, 27, Mar 2008 08:55
Blackburn midfielder David Bentley has warned David Beckham that he is ready to battle for the England right-wing position.
The 23-year-old was one of the best players in Fabio Capello's first game in-charge of England in last month's friendly win over Switzerland. But he was dropped for the game against France yesterday and Beckham won his 100th cap in his place.
But though he replaced Beckham after 63 minutes against France, Bentley is determined to become a first-team regular.
"I'm here to take his (Beckham's) place and that's what I'll be trying to do," said Bentley. "I've got to keep myself at those levels and keep myself performing and that's what I'll do.
"I want to play for England. He wants to play for England and it will be interesting when battle commences.
"That is what football is about. It is about competition and that's what you need. You need two players who are playing at the top of their game and fighting for their position and that will bring the best out in both of us."
Beckham has insisted that he wants to continue playing for England as long as he can, but he faces a battle on his hands for his place with not only Bentley, but also Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips vying for the right-wing slot.