CHARLTON striker Darren Bent could not conceal his deep disappointment after being overlooked for coach Sven Goran Eriksson's 23-strong England World Cup squad.

Eighteen-goal Bent, the Premier League's highest scoring Englishman and Charlton's Player of the Year, was not even left with the consolation of a place among the players placed on standby.

He said: "I got the phonecall on Monday morning when Sven called and said I wasn't in. I could have handled not being in the squad, but not being on standby was hard to take. I just wasn't sure what to feel to be honest.

"Maybe I've got to score more goals next season. I've still got plenty of years left on my Charlton contract. The fans have always been behind me and I'm sure I can carry on scoring."

Bent's first reaction on hearing the news was to book a summer holiday. "I'm off to recharge my batteries," he added.