Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists Darren Bent is England class.
Bruce is desperate for Bent to see action for England after his squad recall.
He said: "When the final World Cup squad came out, he was bitterly disappointed at missing out after doing so well last season.
"Everyone at the club had to try and pick him up a bit.
"But Mr Capello put him in the squad for the friendly against Hungary last month and, while he had to pull out through injury, he is in the squad for the qualifiers.
"If he gets a proper chance and a fair crack of the whip, who knows?"
