David Bentley’s decision to pull out of England’s Under-21 squad has given a fresh twist to the ever-simmering club v country row.

England Under-21 manager Pearce told Sky Sports News that Bentley, 22, had informed him he was fatigued after a busy year with Blackburn Rovers and was worried about “possible burnout” next term.

Pearce tried to persuade Bentley of the honour of representing his country, of the tournament experience he’d gain, of the fact James Milner and Nigel Reo-Coker among others had also had tough seasons, and also of the regulations which prevent England from replacing him in the squad. All to no avail.
 
Clearly, the affair does not put Bentley in a particularly good light. But Blackburn are an ambitious club and the former Arsenal midfielder will be key to their cause next season, having recently been voted the club’s Player of the Year.

What’s more, a common refrain from the England senior camp, after bowing out of their latest tournament at the quarter-final stage, is that the Premier League is the most exhausting of the lot, and that it takes a long time to recover.

Ahmed Bilial at Soccerlens speculates that Bentley has his eyes on a place in the senior England squad for Euro 2008, and needs to be fully fit next term to push his claims. Other bloggers have shown less sympathy.

Should Bentley be criticised for his stand, for ignoring his country’s call, and, what’s more, missing the chance to make a name for himself on an international stage? Or is it just the logical consequence of a football system that has become dominated by club interests?

Trevor Huggins, London