2022 FIFA World Cup: Darren Bent says Wales captain Gareth Bale wouldn't start for current England squad

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has told talkSPORT that Wales captain Gareth Bale wouldn't start for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Bale, 33, has been selected in Wales' 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar.

He has been at the forefront of the Welsh national team's recent success, earning 108 international caps and scoring 39 goals.

During his time playing for Wales, they have qualified for the European Championships in 2016 and 2020.

They also qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 64 years.

The former Real Madrid winger bagged three goals in Euro 2016, including a phenomenal free-kick effort in a 2-1 defeat to England.

Now in the latter stages of his career, he recently joined MLS side Los Angeles FC from Madrid in the summer on a free transfer.

He has made 14 appearances, scoring three goals, including a vital equalizer in a 3-3 draw in the MLS Cup final against Philadelphia on 5 November.

LAFC eventually came out triumphant on 3-0 on penalties.

Bent was asked if he believed Bale would currently get into England's squad, which is set to be announced by Gareth Southgate on Thursday, 10 November.

Bent responded:

"He'd probably get in the squad but would he start I don't know. I think people need to kind of detach themselves from the Bale that once was. If you're talking about that Bale 2014-15 then yeah he starts. Most important player in the team."

He was then asked if he would currently get into the Three Lions team.

Bent replied:

"No, probably not."

Bale is renowned as one of the greatest British players in history, having achieved enormous success at Real Madrid.

The Welsh winger made 258 appearances, scoring 106 goals and providing 67 assists.

Bent's comments about Bale in the 2014-15 campaign have merit as he was a key member of Los Blancos' attack. He scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances.

Bale has won five Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles, and one Copa del Rey during his career.

---

Bale explained the surreal feeling of reaching the FIFA World Cup as Wales take on England

Qualification still feels surreal to Bale

Bale has spoken ahead of the FIFA World Cup, explaining how surreal it feels to be heading to Qatar with Wales.

He told BBC Sport:

"It still doesn't really feel real that we're going. I always said that when we actually step foot on the plane to Qatar that's probably when it will start to sink in."

He added:

"It's just one of those things it's so surreal it's obviously been so long since we've been at the World Cup."

Wales are in Group B alongside England, the USA, and Iran.

Bale knows that it will be a difficult group but that every game at the FIFA World Cup is a challenge:

"Every group is difficult...it doesn't matter who you play at the World Cup it's going to be difficult games."