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Bentley Left Picking Splinters Out?

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An alternative from BomBom to my take on David Bentley being overlooked by England on Wednesday evening (again!) His full title was in fact “SHOCKER Bentley left picking splinters out as Dyer & Jenas get a game!” sadly this was too long to fit in!!!

Once again, this time in Estonia, Steve McClaren left David Bentley and Rovers fans disappointed by deciding not to blood the right midfielder, choosing instead to give former old boy Stuart Downing a run out, along with perennial squad members and perennial under achievers Kieron “Completely” Dyer and Jermaine Jenas another cap.

Whilst it is very little surprise to the majority of Rovers fans, who fully expected David to sit on the bench all night, it highlights McClaren stubborn streak whereas it seemed he was bowing to public and media opinion by including him in the squad, only to see him play absolutely no part in the friendly international against Brazil or against Estonia.

Dyer replaced Beckham on 68 minutes and, although I was unable to see the game, I would imagine that Dyer’s (and Jenas and Downing’s) biggest weakness on those flanks is the inability to consistently provide accurate, dangerous crosses from out wide. To be fair, Jenas is not a wide player and Downing is capable if not internationally capable.

With Peter Crouch also playing this evening, it gave them even more of a target to find and hit from out wide.

The first review and rating of the England lads I come across read like this.

Kieron Dyer (for Beckham, 68): Slotted into midfield well and was positive down the flanks, but lacked final pass or finish – 6.

“Stewart Downing (for Cole, 75): Middlesbrough winger produced another competent showing and tested keeper Mart Poom with a right-foot drive – 6.

“Jermaine Jenas (for Owen, 88): Little chance to make an impact – 6
.”

Downing was “competent???” Should England internationals be more than “competent?” Granted Jenas was given very little time to do anything other than warm up thoroughly. The biggest tell tale sign, for me and I am sure, other Rovers fans would be that the reviewer highlighted that there was no end product from Dyer, despite getting into good positions.

This is something that David Bentley is more than accomplished at and can do so as and when required, from deep or from the corner of the 18-yard box.

I have to say; I am more than disappointed with Bentley’s lack of opportunity for England, even more so when McClaren continually turns to the same players on the bench to deliver.

If England are fortunate enough to qualify for Euro 2008, I sincerely hope he continues this determined approach as I can imagine, being a goal behind in a crucial group game and needing a spark from the bench, when he turns to his options, he will take the same thought process and put Dyer on. Why does he think that suddenly Dyer will turn into the second coming of Christ and elevate his game?? Personally, I would rather someone who CAN cross, who can deliver when needed and who would inject something into the game. The only question mark is whether Bentley IS indeed, international class?

So, with that in mind, can David Bentley do that for England??? Not even Bentley truly knows that answer but until he is given an opportunity to show what he is can do at that level, neither will McClaren know!

Simple answer, start selecting squads on playing form not on player names!!!

It may well do England a whole lot of good if this current team failed to qualify then finally, someone might just look up and realise that there are far too many players in that squad who are there on reputation and reputation alone. Until that time, England fans will just have to put up with an under performing Frank Lampard, an unfit Michael Owen and a bench load of long lost reputations!

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY BOMBOM.


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Formerly Hughes Da Man (HDM)

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