ROVERS boss Mark Hughes fully expects David Bentley to start against France for England this evening.

In his brief time as England manager Fabio Capello has shown that he selects players who on top of their game, and Hughes feels that there is no-one playing better at this moment than the Rovers midfielder.

"If Mr. Capello picks on current form then David (Bentley) is a shoe-in from my point of view," said Hughes today.

"He couldn't have any more at the weekend because he was outstanding for us against Wigan under difficult circumstances. He really stood up and was counted and I'm sure Mr. Capello has taken note of that performance and we hope he's going to start.

"Obviously there are other side issues which may affect that but we'll have to wait and see."

Those side issues are of course the possible return to action of David Beckham who is expected to pick up his 100th cap at some point this evening, an occasion that Hughes will applaud.

"David Beckham is a fantastic player and is still of international quality, I know David (Beckham) personally very well so I'm extremely pleased that it looks like he is going to get that 100th cap.

"But long-term I think most people think if David Bentley continues to progress as he is doing then he will be the guy that is more likely to take David Beckham's place long-term and we hope that is going to be the case.

"But very much the decision will be taken out of anybody's hands at Blackburn, it is basically down to David (Bentley) to continue to perform exceptionally well for us - as he has done - and then see what happens."