Redknapp boosts Bent's ambitions

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: Germany v England
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Berlin Date: Wed, 19 November Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV1; Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

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Recalled Bent feared for England future

Darren Bent hopes new Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp can help him fulfil his international aspirations with England.

Redknapp's arrival as boss at White Hart Lane has coincided with the striker winning a recall to the squad for Wednesday's friendly with Germany.

"Harry helped Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe get back into the England set-up after going to Portsmouth and they are playing really well," Bent, 24, said.

"He is a fantastic manager and he is a man-manager who keeps things simple."

Bent's prospects of playing in Berlin have improved with the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney - who Bent believes would be an automatic choice if fit.

"Wayne has been fantastic for England for a number of years and it does look like the rest of us are all fighting away for one spot," he said.

606: DEBATE Every other week it seems to be another round of dour international matches ruining the game returnof50phead

"I have always been a firm believer that, if you can score a lot of goals for your club, then you can do it for your country. That is especially the case with England given the calibre of players in the squad who can create chances.

"As long as I can keep myself fit, score as many goals as I can and play well, it will only stand me in good stead."

Bent last featured for England as a substitute against Croatia 12 months ago, and had started to wonder about his international future.

"When your're not playing games on a regular basis, and you're being left out of key games, and big games for your club, you do start to wonder - but I always knew that if I stayed confident, fit and focused that hopefully the opportunity would come round once again," he said.

The former Charlton striker is also happy with the feedback he has received from England manager Fabio Capello, adding: "I've spoken to Fabio quite a lot since I've been here and he told me what he thinks of me as a player and what he wants from me and I have responded to that.

"As long as I know what direction I am going in and how I am doing, I should be fine. The relationship is good. He has told me why he picked me in the squad and things like that.

"As a player that is what you want, how the manager sees you rather than there being no communication whatsoever. He wants me to play my own game and not over-complicate things."

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