Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes was surprised David Bentley
was overlooked for Steve McClaren's England squad to face
Spain.
Former Middlesbrough boss McClaren named his 28-man squad for the
friendly, but Bentley, who has had an impressive season with
Rovers, was a notable absentee.
Hughes believes Bentley would have made a good option on the
right-hand side of his midfield and that his form his term
warranted a call-up.
However, Bentley has been named in England's Under 21s outfit along
with Matt Derbyshire, who has received his first-call up to the
squad.
"I'm a little bit surprised I suppose. I think Bentley had a decent
enough chance for the full squad," stated Hughes.
"Being in the Under 21s is an honour, but I thought maybe, given
the manner of his performances over the last couple of months, he
possibly warranted a call-up to the senior side.
"I'm not sure what options Steve McClaren has on that right-hand
side, but David has been playing exceptionally well.
"He played really well in midweek against Frank Lampard and I just
thought that might have tipped the selection in his favour at
senior level.
"Obviously we're delighted for Matt Derbyshire. He's made a real
impact in the last few months. I know he's absolutely
delighted."