David Bentley is determined to oust David Beckham and make himself a permanent fixture on England's right flank.

The 23-year-old midfielder has impressed head coach Fabio Capello after a good season with Blackburn and is optimistic at being involved in the forthcoming friendly matches against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.

And Bentley admits it will be a tough task to put himself ahead of former England captain Beckham in the pecking order - but he is keen to prove himself.

"I know David Beckham is loved the the world over and I admire him as a man and a player but I will be trying my hardest to challenge him for the position and we'll see what happens," he told Sky Sports News.

"I have to keep performing and playing to a high level and keep working hard.

"The levels David has reached are fantastic but I know I have to go every day to training and be aiming to reach those levels and go higher.

"You want to push yourself on to the next level and I'll be looking to play as many games as I can to push on to the next step.

"These are big games for me to try and establish myself as an international player and push on which I want to do."

Bentley believes he is in great shape for the match despite a long season in the Premier League and has been impressed with the training sessions under Capello.

"I think this stage of the season your levels of fitness are high and the gaffer keeps them up so it shouldn't' be a problem fitness-wise," he said.

"I think the training has been really good under the new boss. Every time you step on to the training pitch he wants you to get something out of it and I think it will only breed success for the future.

"There are a lot of people talking about there not being too much English talent about but there are 11 top players battling for midfield places to be picked from which is healthy and it is good to be involved with.

"For someone like me - who is just starting their international career - and I still have a lot to prove to the media, the fans and the supporters.

"I have to perform in these games. It's no good talking a good game, now I have to show it on the pitch as well.

"To play for England is great, especially when the new gaffer has faith in you - it is a great feeling."

Bentley admits he is looking forward to facing Blackburn team-mate Brad Friedel when his side line up against the USA at Wembley.

He added: "I've not spoken to Brad but they will be eager to impress and eager to perform, in front of that many people - I am sure they will be keen to put in a performance."

Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves believes the Chelsea players in the squad will have overcome the disappointment of their defeat by Manchester United last week.

John Terry missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out which the Red Devils capitalised on to become European champions but Hargreaves insists those involved need to put the game behind them and is adamant there is no bad feeling between the players.

He said: "Man United players are on a high and Chelsea players are disappointed but we are professional enough to put that aside.

"The finalhas gone, we are a team now and we are focused on the game not a game that happened a week ago.

"There are winners across the board - Chelsea have had a successful few years so they know how to win things.

"Winning breeds confidence, success breaks confidence, so it is positive for the whole squad.

"There is a great amount of mutual respect. Both teams really gave it a go and went for it."

Hargreaves believes Terry in particular will have no problems putting the disappointment of his Champions League final penalty miss behind him.

The Manchester United player explained at a press conference, covered by Sky Sports News: "I think he will learn a lot from the moment and will come back even stronger.

"He is a fabulous leader - just because you miss a penalty doesn't change anything about you as a footballer and a person."

The Canadian-born midfielder, who said he did not personally feel the game had an extra edge because of the opponents, revealed he will not pay close attention to Euro 2008 with England not involved.

He said: "I don't want to watch it to be honest because I know it'll be difficult.

"You you know what the experience is like to be in a European Championship or a World Cup - we will watch the big games towards the end but it will be disappointing while the rest of the tournament's going on to have to watch."

Bentley agreed, adding: "It will be difficult watching it but life goes on.

"It humbles you a little bit as a player and brings you back down to earth - but it's up to us now to focus on the World Cup."

Hargreaves believes Capello's influence is a "breath of fresh air" to England.

He said: "Everyone's getting to know each other really but he carries the aura of a big coach - similar to the boss at Manchester United.

"I think he does things his own way and players respect that. Everyone's ready to do their best for him.

"You look forward to a change after a disappointing campaign - it's a breath of fresh air."

On a personal level, Hargreaves does not see the games as a distraction at the end of a long domestic season.

He added: "I wish the season wasn't finishing because I'm starting to feel fit. I'm not tired at all.

"These two games have been on the schedule for a long time and mentally we have prepared for it.

"I'm positive and in a great state of mind and I'm looking forward to them."

The former Bayern Munich player also backed his United team-mate Rio Ferdinand for the England captaincy.

Ferdinand led England in their last game against France in March and Hargreaves believes the central defender is a top candidate for the permanent role.

He said: "There are a lot of individuals who could be captain but I think Rio has been the most consistent player in England this season and he epitomises everything we did and I think he would be a fantastic captain."

Hargreaves was part of the England squad who missed out on qualification to Euro 2008 and he has warned that they need to learn their lessons if they are to challenge at the 2010 World Cup.

"The qualification campaign will be a big one especially after such a disappointing one last time round.

"We are a team who can compete for the World Cup, if we can keep the squad together and with a few additions I think we can go a long way.

"The most important thing is we improve on the past and improve on the mistakes.

"I hope we will have learned from the past because I think the defeat in Croatia was the start of something."

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