Sunderland captain Lorik Cana says Darren Bent's inclusion in the England World Cup squad has to be a formality.

Bent was disappointed with some of the criticism he received in the wake of his performance in England's 1-0 friendly defeat by Brazil in Doha after forcing his way into Fabio Capello's squad.

However, Albania skipper Cana, who has watched from close quarters as the £10million man has rediscovered his scoring touch at the Stadium of Light this season, is convinced he has to go to South Africa.

Cana said: "It was not a surprise for me when he was selected for England.

"England really don't have another centre forward like Darren - a striker who plays on the shoulder of the last defender and is always alive in the box. They would miss someone like Darren if they don't take him and I think he will be a very important player for England at the next World Cup.

"People need to give him their confidence. Here at Sunderland, he has the confidence of everyone - team-mates, the club and fans - and he can give his best. We know we have a high-quality scorer. The goal he scored on Saturday was important for him and for us, and we are really happy for him.

"When you play a team like Arsenal, you all have to work together, but you also need someone who makes a difference, and Darren for us is that man."