In-form Sunderland striker Darren Bent is intent on securing himself a place in England's World Cup squad.

The former Tottenham man has been in brilliant form for his new club, scoring on seven occasions, and plans to do keep doing what he does best to not miss out on another World Cup finals campaign.

"I was unfortunate to miss the last World Cup. I remember I scored a lot of goals, 22, that season and I was at the same stage that year that I am now - 7 in 7. But I didn't go and it was a big disappointment," said the 25-year old.

"If that happened again I would be heartbroken again but I can't let that affect me or worry me because the important thing is scoring for Sunderland.

"I can't do much more than I'm doing at the moment. Hopefully the England manager is watching but if he's not I won't let my head drop, I'll keep knocking them in for Sunderland.

"We've got two really difficult games coming up. At the same time we're very confident because we've had a good start to the season.

"I definitely still believe I'm an England player. I've not had the best of luck with England. The last time I played against Germany I went round the keeper and slipped over - things like that define your England career. If that goes in I could be in the next four or five squads - but it wasn't meant to be.

"You can't really be judged on twenty minutes here, twenty minutes there. If I get a regular run in the team and play some games in the run up to the World Cup I'd back myself every day of the week to score goals for my country and play well. The moment I stop scoring goals is the moment people start saying I don't deserve to be there."