Bridge quits England

(GSM) – Wayne Bridge has decided to make himself unavailable for international selection after releasing a short statement to address the issue on Thursday morning. Bridge claims his presence would be “untenable and potentially divisive”.

And with first-choice left-back Ashley Cole suffering from a long-term ankle injury, Fabio Capello will be without both of his usual left-backs for Wednesday’s friendly with Egypt.

The move comes following stories of an alleged relationship between Bridge’s former partner and Chelsea’s captain John Terry.

Shortly after the news, Capello stripped Terry of the England captaincy. Capello had hoped, earlier this week, that Bridge would take the chance to play at the World Cup.

However, the 29-year-old feels compelled to call it a day on his international career, wishing his England teammates the best of luck ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Here is Wayne Bridge’s full statement:

“I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks.

“It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive.

“Sadly therefore I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.

“I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa.”