Darren Bent harbours World Cup hope

Darren Bent has refused to give up hope that he will represent England at next year's World Cup.

The 29-year-old fell out of favour with Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert last season and, as a result, lost his place in the England squad.

However, having moved to Fulham during the summer, the striker is confident that he can score enough goals to capture the attention of Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.

"I hope I can get into the World Cup squad, it's been a while since I was involved. If I score a few goals this season and Fulham do well then I will give myself a chance," he told The People.

"I'm not looking too far ahead but if I have a good season I will give myself the best opportunity to be in the squad. I would like to get the nod but Jermain [Defoe] deserves to be in there because he still scores a lot of goals and Rickie Lambert has done well.

"I've said since I was youngster that England players should be picked on form so there is no reason [why] I can't be in one of the squads before the World Cup."

Bent has made 14 appearances for England and has scored four goals.