Bridge refuses to play for England - and then refuses to shake John Terry's hand

As has been well documented in the press recently, England and Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge has caused England manager Fabio Capello more problems by refusing to play at the World Cup following the John Terry - Wayne Bridge - Vanessa Perroncel scandal, as is reported by Football365 here:

England left-back Wayne Bridge has declared himself unavailable for the World Cup.

The Manchester City defender released a short statement claiming his presence within the national squad was "untenable and potentially divisive" and that he did not wish to be selected.

It leaves Fabio Capello without both his first-choice left-backs for Wednesday's friendly with Egypt.

The move comes after lurid details about a relationship between Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel and Chelsea defender John Terry came to light.

Terry was ultimately stripped of the England captaincy by Capello, who earlier this week spoke of his optimism that Bridge would continue to play for his country.

However, after a lot of soul searching, the 29-year-old feels it is an impossible situation for him to contemplate.

"It has always been an honour to play for England," said Bridge.

"However, after careful thought, I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive."

It was the delicate balancing act Capello knew he was carrying out when he retained Terry in his squad whilst removing the coveted armband.

The Italian hoped Bridge would remain involved and was scheduled to see both men in action at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, when Chelsea entertain Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini spoke about the certainty of Bridge's return to the England fold but there was always a feeling the full-back held a different opinion.

Speculation that he would not even shake Terry's hand prior to this weekend's game hardly gave credence to the belief any clear differences could be patched up.

"Sadly, for the sake of the team and what would be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection," said Bridge.

"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 and have today informed the management of this decision.

"I wish the team all the best in South Africa."

As Bridge has not formally announced his retirement from international football, it can only be concluded that he would consider a return should Terry not be involved.

Terry must now carry with him the additional burden of knowing his own actions have resulted in someone he used to class as a close friend missing the biggest tournament any professional can be involved in.

Quite apart from dealing with that fall-out, Capello must find himself alternatives at left-back given Ashley Cole is presently ruled out for three months with a broken ankle.

As was rumoured in the quote above, John Terry's hand was not shaken by Wayne Bridge today as Manchester City comfortably came from behind to beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge today, a result which I am sure will make Wayne Bridge smile inside.

I have spoken to many people recently about the story, and many of my friends, as well as myself, are firmly Team Bridge. How on earth the Chelsea fans could have booed Wayne Bridge today is beyond me. I am all for supporting your club and it's players, but when a player ends his England career because he never wants to play again with a man he thought was his friend because of an affair with his girlfriend, you cannot really defend it. Wayne Bridge has not even received an apology from Terry, who hasn't tried to patch things up between the two at all.

Because of this lack of emotion from Terry, and the painful circumstances Bridge finds himself in, I really do feel for him. Some people may feel he is being rude and childish by not shaking the hand of John Terry today, but I certainly don't. John Terry has continued his life as if nothing ever happened, and somewhat arrogantly didn't step down as England captain, a sign that he has not really appreciated his mistakes.

Personally, I think that Terry should sacrifice himself for Bridge, it is the least he can do surely?

As for the Chelsea fans, while as I said I understand their supporting their player, they even tried to defend his actions to me, some saying it had been blown out of proportion, one saying that Terry didn't know she was Bridge's girlfriend, one even trying to convince me it didn't happen! I think this just shows how some Chelsea fans really do not understand or pay any attention in football.

If I were Bridge, I would have insisted on taking the penalty for City at Stamford Bridge today, even if it was only to celebrate in front of Terry. I think the fact that he didn't just shows the fact that he doesn't want Terry to have any part in his life whatsoever any more, and that he wants to put the saga behind himself.

On a side note, I am going to see England v Egypt on Wednesday, a game in which Terry but not Bridge will play in, and it will be interesting to see who is next in line to be England left back in South Africa in the absence of Ashley Cole.


Gibbo