Darren Bent set to miss England match

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent looks like losing his race to be fit for England's Euro 2012 Group G qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia.

The 27-year-old was again absent from England's final training session ahead of the match at the Vasil Levski Stadium with a groin injury, having missed the previous two days' sessions with the same problem.

Bent also missed last month's friendly international against Holland – subsequently postponed because of the London riots – with a shoulder setback.

The 27-year-old forward had looked to be establishing himself as a regular member of Fabio Capello's attack after a spell of three goals in three matches.

His absence will open the door for Jermain Defoe tonight, who scored a hat-trick against Bulgaria at Wembley a year ago.