Hargreaves and Bent answer England's call

[Jazz 16]

Tottenham striker Darren Bent has been drafted into the England squad for the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday night.

Bent, who joined Spurs for £16million from Charlton this summer, has scored two goals in three games after a slow start to his White Hart Lane career.

He comes into the squad after Michael Owen was ruled out by a thigh strain suffered in the friendly victory over Austria on Friday.

Also back in the squad is Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves after the former Bayern Munich man overcame tendinitis.

England need just a point to book their place in next summer's European Championship.

Its great news having Hargreaves back to fitness. With him in the middle of the park Croatia will find it very hard to score goals.

Its now looking good for England after Israel did them a huge favour by beating the Russians.

[Ajant]

Having to rely on others is never a good thing, and if England do qualify they can count themselves very lucky. And if they continue the way they are going, don't expect them to make the Quarter's of the finals.

Having Hargreaves back will be a boost...

[man.utd.singh]

So what do you think the team will be?

..................Robinson..............
Richards...Ferdi....Terry....Cole
................Hargreaves............
...Gerrard....Lampard........Cole
..........Crouch...........Bent?.....

Or

..................Robinson..............
Richards...Ferdi....Terry....Cole
................Hargreaves............
Beckham.Gerrard.Lampard.Cole
.................Crouch..................

[Wazza1989]

it's good to see hargo back in action:)...hope he doesn't get injured again

[RichardsReds]

England is screwed as far as CFs go.

Crouch is crap as a lone striker. I'd play him upfront with Bent or Defoe. Hardly either are going to do much anyway.

Hopefully the midfield will win this one for us! A goal from anyone will make me smile!

[reddwarf]

There are rumours that John Terry could be fit for Wednesday but I wouldn't bet on it.

We need to play 4-4-2 - it's what we are comfortable with and changing the formation when we played in Croatia was disastrous. Besides, we shouldn't be playing with 1 up front - we're the home team!

[NateR]

So what do you think the team will be?

..................Robinson..............
Richards...Ferdi....Terry....Cole
................Hargreaves............
...Gerrard....Lampard........Cole
..........Crouch...........Bent?.....

Or

..................Robinson..............
Richards...Ferdi....Terry....Cole
................Hargreaves............
Beckham.Gerrard.Lampard.Cole
.................Crouch..................

Ferdinand is suspended for the game.

[man.utd.singh]

Your joking!
Were screwed.
But terry would be fit, checked on bbc

[Keano4taoiseach]

I think Wayne Bridge should start instead of Cole....

[danfelixbuffy]

carson

brown richards campbell bridge

beckham gerrard hargreaves cole

bent defoe