Bent’s England dream in tatters

Darren Bent’s hopes of playing for England in the Euro 2012 finals are in massive doubt after it was confirmed he will be sidelined for up to three months with ruptured ankle ligaments.

The Aston Villa striker visited a specialist in London yesterday afternoon and his worst fears were confirmed.

It means he is unlikely to be available until the end of May, with the Euro finals getting underway just over a week later, in Poland and the Ukraine.

Bent’s injury, which he sustained in the scoreless draw against Wigan last weekend, is a devastating blow, not just to him but to his club also.

Aston Villa are eight points clear of the relegation zone but without Bent — and also Robbie Keane, who has gone back to LA Galaxy — they could be sucked into a relegation scrap. Villa said in a statement: “Darren Bent has undergone scans and he has seen a top ankle specialist in London. He faces up to 12 weeks on the sidelines having ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in the game against Wigan and he is unlikely to play again this season.’’