Bent was also in the frame for the 2006 World Cup after finishing the Premier League season as the top English goalscorer - but was overlooked by then manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

BBC: Bent backed for World Cup place

He shook the kinks from his arms and bounced on his toes like a boxer, then bent down to pick up the frame.

NEWYORKER: The Strongest Man in the World