Wayne Bridge Turns His Back on the England Team and World Cup 2010 February 25th, 2010 | by: Daryl

World Cup broadcasters around the world have been denied a potentially juicy World Cup 2010 soap opera storyline, because Wayne Bridge has made himself unavailable for England selection, and so definitely won’t be going to South Africa.

“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,” Bridge said in a statement released by his lawyers.
“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.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the “the reporting and events over the last few weeks” that Bridge is referring to, then welcome back from the deserted island you’ve been living on. Basically it came to light that John Terry allegedly (are we still saying allegedly here? better safe than sorry) had an affair with Wayne Bridge’s former partner (and mother of Bridge’s children) Vanessa Perroncel. Terry was subsequently stripped of the England captaincy, but remains an important part of the team.
It’s very very tempting to interpret Bridge’s statement as “there’s no way I’m playing alongside that John Terry.” Could be that’s exactly what he means.
The interesting twist here is that with Ashley Cole injured, Wayne Bridge had a shot at going to World Cup 2010 as England’s first choice left back. Chance of a lifetime, but a chance he’s very much turned down today.
- Read more about the Three Lions at England World Cup Blog.http://www.worldcupblog.org