Former England footballer reveals details of a harsh prank: the story of a false call.

David Bentley fell for Robbie Savage's prank

According to The Sun: David Bentley happily promised he was ready to 'run through walls' for Steven McClaren and the England team. But he didn't know that on the other end of the line, he was actually talking to Robbie Savage, and the rest of his Blackburn teammates were listening in.

David Bentley and Robbie Savage in 2007 Reuters

Bentley was expecting a call from the then England manager McClaren ahead of the Euro 2007 qualifying matches. Savage, known for his pranks, found out about this and called Bentley, pretending to be McClaren. During the call, he turned on the speakerphone so the whole team could hear the scene.

The 47-year-old Bentley told SunSport:

“Obviously, Robbie Savage, a good friend, was at Blackburn. What a character he was when he came into the dressing room! It was energy from the first minute, I loved it. But yes, he tricked me!”

“Everyone knows that when you get a call-up to the England team, you get a call on Friday morning before the weekend, to tell you that you are in the squad. Calls are made between 8:30 and 9:00, and Robbie knew this. So he calls me at 8:30, right on the dot, pretending to be Steven McClaren, and he records me...”

“And I'm saying, 'Oh, Steve, thank you so much! I'm ready to run through walls for you.' He was mocking me in the dressing room, and everyone was laughing at me!”

Twenty minutes later, the real Steve McClaren called Bentley: “You just called me.” To which Bentley replied:

“No, I didn’t call you, David. But you are in the squad.”

Career and boxing match

Bentley joined Blackburn in 2006 after leaving Arsenal, where he had gone through the academy.

The midfielder was also part of the famous 'Invincibles' team of 2003-04, alongside legends like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp. However, Bentley, still a teenager, did not appreciate this greatness until his career ended.

“As I got older, looking back, I realized that at that time, you don't understand what's going on. But that team was a huge force, and I didn't realize what was happening as I was just playing a match.”

Bentley gained popularity at Tottenham, where he joined in 2008 for five seasons. He ended his career in 2013, at the age of 29. After retiring, the former England player, who made 7 appearances, started a business, including a restaurant in Marbella.

However, next Saturday he will return to the ring in Mayfair, participating in a boxing match against former Chelsea defender Jody Morris.

“I’m really excited to get in the ring. I don’t want to get knocked out! But I am truly looking forward to the fight.”

Other fighters involved in the event include: Curtis Davies versus Paddy Kenny, Leroy Lita versus David Noble, Lee Trundle versus Anthony Gardner, and Greg Halford versus Marvin Elliott.

• Buy tickets at www.proprojectpromotions.com and join us for a night of drama, luxury, and charity

AFP Bentley made his England debut in 2007 Getty AFP INSTAGRAM @proprojectpromotions A new chapter awaits David Bentley's career—a boxing match that is generating considerable interest. His return to the ring, after retiring from football, will be a true challenge. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how he can unleash his potential in the ongoing boxing show that promises exciting fights and captivating moments.