Wayne Bridge snubs England duty to avoid John Terry

Wayne Bridge has made himself unavailable for England selection, admitting the scandal surrounding his former Chelsea team-mate John Terry could disrupt Fabio Capello's World Cup plans. The Manchester City defender said his position in the squad had become "untenable and potentially divisive", in a statement released by his lawyers. Bridge has struggled to come to terms with the reality of sharing a dressing room after the revelation of Terry's affair with his former partner, Vanessa Perroncel. The former Chelsea player feels irreparable damage has been caused to his relationship with someone he once considered a trustworthy friend. "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. "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." England play Egypt in a friendly on Wednesday and with Ashley Cole already ruled out by a long-term ankle injury, Fabio Capello's dearth of options at left back is a growing problem with the World Cup a little more than 100 days away. Bridge was aware that he could have an important role to play at left back in the World Cup � in a back four that will include Terry, Rio Ferdinand, the new captain � with Cole facing a race to be fit for the tournament. Capello always maintained that he would not mediate in the conflict, preferring the players to resolve the issue before they reported for the next squad. Capello may now turn to Leighton Baines, of Everton, and Stephen Warnock, of Aston Villa, as secondary options at left back.