Alan Curbishley believes that Darren Bent is worthy of a place in the England squad for next years World Cup.

Curbishley thinks that the Sunderland striker, who played for England in their friendly against Brazil in Qatar on Saturday, should be included in Fabio Cappello's squad that will travel for the finals in South Africa next summer.

"I would take him to the World Cup for two reasons," the former West Ham and Charlton Athletic manager said.

"Firstly, for his fitness levels. he's always top notch and secondly if you're not going to start him then I think he will come on and change the dynamic of the game.

"When you talk to anyone about Darren Bent they'll say he's always the first one into training and the last one out.

"He would bring something different to the squad because he wants to go behind defences and I don't see too many English strikers doing that. Jermain Defoe is probably the only other one.

"He's a very, very good finisher, but he's also good in the air, deceptively so. He gets his fair share of headed goals as well. As a squad member he's got to have a chance."