Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley has admitted that he has not won an England call-up, but says he does not regret his decision to pull out of the Under 21 European Championships.

But after pulling out of the England Under 21 team that impressed at this summer's European Championship, England boss Steve McClaren has followed through on his threat to invoke a one-match ban for what he believed to be unreasonable behaviour.

Bentley cited self-preservation as the reason behind his decision to turn his back on the national set-up in the summer, stating that the tournament would affect his performance in the domestic season.

But the midfielder remains unrepentant over his decision and is willing to take the punishment on the chin.

"I do not regret it at all," he said.

"It was the right decision for me, even if it was the wrong one for the team.

"I knew there would be consequences to my decision but I am looking long-term and hopefully that decision will further my England career not shorten it.

"It is disappointing but you have to respect the decision of the England boss."