Bentley’s performances for Blackburn Rovers in recent years have seen him tipped as David Beckham’s natural successor on the right side of England’s midfield.
The transition is yet to occur, however, as Beckham’s experience and reliability have kept him firmly in Capello’s plans.
Bentley, with six caps to his name, has thus far failed to produce on the international stage the sort of form he displayed at Ewood Park.
But Waddle, who made 62 appearances for the Three Lions, believes the 23-year-old needs a run of starts to properly adapt to international football.
“You know what you’re going to get with Beckham,” the former Spurs winger told The Sun. “He’s not going to get to the byline any more but his free-kicks are still very good.
“Bentley is a similar player but has energy and will probably score more goals than Beckham. He is someone who we’ll be looking at for the long-term and I’m sure he will get his opportunity. But if he’s going to be picked he needs a run in the side.
“I think he needs to know that he’s going to play three or four games and then we’ll see him relax. He’s a young player who has come into the squad and is fighting for a spot but I believe he has tried too hard.
“I think that has cost him a bit and that’s why he’s not an automatic choice yet. But Beckham is getting on a bit now and he’s not the player he was.”
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