If Gareth Southgate remains as England boss in the long-term Daniel Bentley may well be someone he’ll keep an eye on? He’ll be aware of him anyway as he was looked at by England at U21 level when he was playing for Southend. In fact I think he was called up (and by Southgate) when at League 1, if not League 2 level with the Shrimpers.
Dean Smith believes Bentley’s form for Brentford since his arrival from Southend makes him as good as anyone at Championship level and wouldn’t be surprised if England aren’t monitoring his progress at Griffin Park, telling Get West London.
‘I`m sure they`ll keep tabs on him. I`m not sure how their selection system works but they`ll be aware of him. He just has to focus on playing at Championship level. With what I see every day in training and with his work ethic, he can go all the way.’
As there aren’t ‘many English goalkeepers around’ and the fact Smith feels ‘he’s that good’ this improves his chances of potentially becoming an England squad member but all need to be ‘patient and not rush it.’
Smith concluded he’s convinced having proven himself at League 2, League 1 and now Championship levels the 23-year-old will continue to improve and give the England coaching team something to think about.
‘He`s been in League Two, League One and now the Championship. He`s had a good time – there`ll be times when he`ll need support but he`s learning at a better level now and, with that, I believe he`ll get better.’
Playing in the Championship didn’t stop Burnley’s Tom Heaton from being selected in the England squad, however he was first called up as a Premier League player with the Clarets but with Bentley seen as a player more than capable of playing at the highest level you never know.
