DAVID Bentley has called on England fans to judge him on his performances rather than the row which surrounded his withdrawal from the Under 21s.

The Blackburn Rovers midfielder was accused of turning his back on his country by Under 21s boss Stuart Pearce earlier this summer when he pulled out of the European Championships due to fatigue.

But after a flying start to the season, the 23-year-old is now back in the England fold for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia, and he is pleading with fans to give him a second chance.

"It's a great feeling to be called up and I'm looking forward to it," said Bentley.

"I'm going to go there, work as hard as I can and give 100 per cent, and hopefully it will all work out for me.

"The Under 21 thing is all behind me and it's up to me now.

"Hopefully, I will just be judged on what I do on the football pitch and nothing else.

"I will go there and try my hardest and be honest. I'll give it everything I've got and hopefully that will be good enough for everyone.

"If I get the chance to play I will grab it with both hands, and I will play as if it's my last game.""