Bent blow for club and country

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

The Aston Villa striker visited a top ankle specialist in London this afternoon and his worst fears were confirmed by the midlands club.

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

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