Darren Bent thanks Sunderland for resurrecting England career

DARREN BENT has thanked Sunderland for saving his England career after his Tottenham nightmare.

Sunderland striker Bent has been in sensational goalscoring form since moving to the Stadium of Light this summer.

That has earned Bent his World Cup wildcard as he is looking to win his first England cap in 12 months, having thought his chance had gone under boss Fabio Capello.

Bent, 25, fell down the England pecking order while he endured a rotten two years at Tottenham as his confidence dropped under manager Harry Redknapp.

Bent, who has won four caps and is yet to score a goal, even issued a message through his Twitter site - on which he slammed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for stalling on his transfer - to thank Sunderland boss Steve Bruce.

Ex-England under-21 striker Bent said: "Thanks to all people connected to Sunderland for making it possible again. I appreciate all the good luck messages, especially after a hard weekend."

Bent missed a penalty against his former club Tottenham but still did enough to convince Fabio Capello to give him another chance.

It is a remarkable turnaround for Bent who was left despondent after Redknapp once said even his missus Sandra could have scored from one chance he missed for Spurs last season.

But Sunderland boss Bruce paid tribute to Bent for the way he has turned his career around at the Stadium of Light having been left frustrated at Spurs.

Bruce said: “Darren is a top lad with an immaculate work-rate on and off the pitch and it’s a testament to his record and attitude that Mr Capello has decided to add him to the squad.

“If you look at the number and type of goals he’s scored this season, it shows what a well rounded player he is.

“When we first signed him, I was amazed at his natural ability in front of goal and said to myself ’this lad’s going to be a top player for this club, that’s for sure.’

“Goals like the one he scored at Old Trafford aren't just about 'right place, right time' and if you look at how much ground he covers in each game.

“Also, the fact he's kept going after not making other squads shows the type of lad he is - I'm absolutely over the moon for him.”

Bent was last called up for England by Capello in March when an injury crisis struck the England squad and the Londoner had to drop out himself.

Capello was not impressed by Bent failing to turn up for England’s "World Cup parade" when all the players selected by the England manager were invited to Wembley.

Bent insisted he wanted to prepare for Sunderland's next game three days later against Liverpool and yet Capello appears to have forgiven and forgotten.

Capello wants a striker to give him the option of someone who can lead the line, be the lone target man and also form a partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Bent, in the absence of injured pair Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole, is likely to get that chance in Qatar as Capello is still not convinced about Peter Crouch, despite his impressive goals record of 16 goals in 17 starts for England.

The call-up for Bent is another huge blow to Michael Owen and signals the end of his realistic hopes of getting into England’s World Cup squad because Jermain Defoe is the pint-sized poacher option favoured by Capello.

Rooney is the main man and it is all about finding a partner or the perfect foil for the Manchester United striker and Capello believes Bent may yet provide that option.

Bent is likely to be given that chance in training this week and possibly against Brazil in Qatar while Crouch is still uncertain of his place in the World Cup squad.

Crouch admits he cannot bear the thought of missing out on a place in the final 23 like his Spurs team mate Defoe did under Sven Goran Eriksson in 2006.

Crouch said: “I don’t want to experience that, of course not. Jermain was involved in the squad and then didn't go. I know from speaking to him how difficult that was. I don’t want to suffer that same fate. I want to be on the plane.

“I always feel if I am given an opportunity I will take it. I have faith in my ability and I have never let anyone down. People will have their opinions but I am very proud of my record for England.

“When you look at the ability within the side and the creative players in the team I always feel we will create chances and I can score.

“But we have fantastic forward players and no-one has any given right to play. The manager has options. But hopefully I will be one of them.”