Bent recalled to England squad for Brazil match

By Mike Collett

LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been recalled to the England squad for next Saturday’s friendly against Brazil in Qatar despite missing a penalty in front of England coach Fabio Capello on Saturday.

Bent has been in excellent form since moving to Sunderland this season, scoring eight goals for his new side. However, he did miss a penalty when Sunderland lost 2-0 at his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone, who scored a blistering goal against Sunderland on Saturday, could win his first senior England cap.

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock is also included and has the chance to add to the one cap he won as an 84th minute substitute when England played Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain in June last year.

David Beckham has been selected but will be released from international duty if his Los Angeles Galaxy side win their MLS Conference semi-final against Chivas USA on Sunday night.

Capello has again omitted Michael Owen, even though forwards Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole are out with injuries and Owen’s chances of playing in the World Cup finals next year now look slim.

Other absentees include Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Aaron Lennon and David James. They are all carrying injuries, apart from Cole who is playing his way back into the Chelsea side after an injury layoff.

(Editing by John Mehaffey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)