Manchester City Defender Wayne Bridge Quits England Over John Terry Affair

Capello now faces defensive dilemma.

Feb 25, 2010 6:49:00 AM

By Zack Wilson

John Terry, Wayne Bridge (Getty Images)
Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge has today announced that he will not be available for selection by England due to the situation surrounding the revelations concerning John Terry's alleged affair with his former partner.

The defender feels that the situation has become potentially a source of division within the Three Lions squad and has made his position "untenable".

Bridge has released a statement from his lawyers confirming his withdrawal.

"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," the statement reads.

"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."

The news follows hard on the heels this morning of the revelation that Rio Ferdinand's back problem will keep him out of next week's Three Lions friendly with Egypt.

With Terry's club-mate Ashley Cole also out for the rest of the season with a fractured leg, England boss Fabo Capello now faces something of a dilemma when it comes to the left side of England's defence.

For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI

    Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

  2. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  3. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  4. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  5. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.