When Fabio Capello revealed that Darren Bent would be travelling to Qatar with the England squad ahead of the team's friendly with Brazil, this was the first time in over eight years that a Sunderland player was named in an England squad.

Sunderland's top scorer could not believe that it had been so long and he revealed his delight at the opportunity to be able to represent the club at international level.

Bent said: "When I heard I was the first Sunderland player to be picked in eight years, I was shocked, that's quite a long time."

The last Black Cat to turn out for the Three Lions was Gavin McCann in February 2001. Sven Goran Eriksson named the midfielder in his squad to take on Spain in a friendly, where McCann won his first and only England cap.

Before McCann, former Sunderland stars Kevin Phillips and Michael Gray swapped the red and white stripes for the national strip.

The duo were awarded their first caps in 1999 after stand-out performances in Peter Reid's all conquering Division One championship winning team.

Bent continued: "I'm delighted to be able to represent the club and the north east, it's fantastic for me and the club and I'm really happy."

Click here to see an exclusive gallery of Darren Bent in training with the England squad at their London headquarters.