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Bent makes SAFC history
Hotshot Darren Bent became the first Sunderland player to score for England in 56 years.
The goal, England's third, came last night in the team's clash with Switzerland in a qualifying match for the European Championships in 2012.
Len Shackleton was the last Black Cats star to net for the Three Lions back in 1954, against West Germany.
Bent's strike three minutes from time strengthened his case for a starting place in the team and raised questions about manager Fabio Capello's decision to leave him out of the England squad for the World Cup.
Bent missed out on a trip to South Africa in the summer, but Martyn Mcfadden, the editor of A Love Supreme fanzine, said the player deserves a run in the first 11.He said: "He's been scoring goals like that for Sunderland since he signed for the club and every fan up here knows what he is capable of. He should have gone to the World Cup."
Speaking after the match yesterday, Bent said: "It's disappointing to miss out on a World Cup or major tournament. But we've got to put our heads down and keep working for our clubs."
Bent's goal capped a memorable night for Wearside players, with Sunderland-born Adam Johnson scoring the second goal of the match.
The Manchester City player rounded goalkeeper Diego Benaglio to tap into an empty net.
And Black Cats striker Danny Welbeck, on loan from Manchester United, scored twice in the England under-21s convincing 3-0 victory against Lithuania.
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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