Former England international David Bentley has advised the young stars in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 side to enjoy themselves and not get dragged into the hype that comes with being an England international.
With the emergence of talented Premier League youngsters like Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Man United’s Marcus Rashford, Bentley believes it’s important for these players to keep their feet firmly on the ground after featuring in the latest England squad ahead of Euro 2016.
“Just keep to your own way. Know who you are and be yourself. Don’t get dragged into it (media hype) because it will change you. Stay the same person you are. Let everyone else around you change, but not you”, the former winger told BenchWarmers’ journalist Dave O’Grady.
The 31-year-old former Spurs star achieved seven caps for England during his career but surprising retired from professional football at the young age of 29, having reportedly fallen out of love with the modern game. Back in 2007 however, there was serious hype surrounding Bentley, who was branded by the then England manager Steve McClaren as ‘the next David Beckham’.
“There was a little bit of pressure, but I didn’t really feel it to be honest. I just took it in my stride. I never really thought about it, I just got on with it. While everyone else was talking about it, I was just getting on with things so it didn’t really affect me that much”, he says.
For Bentley, playing for England brought up mixed emotions. Although, he felt extreme pride in wearing the jersey, there were some aspects of the culture that didn’t sit right with the player.
“I initially loved it, but the game has changed. It’s become so professional. Playing for England wasn’t what I thought it would be. The actual running out, singing the anthem and playing in front of the fans was absolutely brilliant but there was just so much focus on the England set-up. I think they could focus more on having fun, enjoying it and enjoying what a privilege it is to be there instead of being so serious”, Bentley stressed.