Terry Venables insists that Blackburn star David Bentley can still have an England future under Steve McClaren.

Bentley was left out of the England squad for next week's friendly match against Germany as a result of his decision to pull out of the Under 21 European Championships earlier this summer.

But England assistant manager Venables says Bentley will be involved in future if he keeps his head down and maintains his good form on the pitch.

"I'm sure David Bentley will be disappointed not to be in Steve McClaren's England squad, but the message to him is quite simple - the door is not closed," he said in The Sun.

"David only has to look at what's happened to David Beckham, Shaun Wright-Phillips, David James and Sol Campbell to know what I'm talking about.

"All are shining examples and proof there is a way back if you are prepared to knuckle down, keep your silence and do what you have to do on the pitch.

"Yes, David Bentley made a mistake by dropping out of the Under 21 squad, but the England manager has spoken to him at length and the pair have had a true heart-to-heart.

"Just because he won't be playing Germany on Wednesday doesn't mean he'll be excluded from future England games."