One cap for the Sunderland striker in 2009.

Nationwide England Player of the Year 2009 candidates
Darren Bent
Age 25 Date of Birth 06.02.1984
Career caps 5
Caps in 2009 1
Sunderland

Whilst only making one appearance for the Seniors in the calendar year, the striker has been a regular fixture in Fabio Capello’s squads, particularly during the second part of the year after proving to be one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers.

He started the year with Tottenham Hotspur and found first team chances there hard to come by, but his summer switch to Sunderland has seen him revitalised and back amongst the goals and of course in Capello’s mind with regard to next summer’s World Cup.

Bent’s sole England appearance in 2009 came in Qatar in November, when he started the game against Brazil in Doha and partnered Wayne Rooney up front but unfortunately couldn't breach the South American's back line in a 1-0 reverse.

A real livewire in the penalty box, Bent remains one of England’s best finishers and even though he’s still waiting for his first goal with the Three Lions, he will be confident of being able to continue his international progress and head towards the World Cup in 2010.

You can vote for Darren Bent as your 'Nationwide England Player of the Year' on the poll on the right. You'll need a FAN, but you can sign up for a free one by clicking the FAN button at the top of the page and you'll then be able to take part in this and future polls and competitions...