Given: Bridge focused on Blues trip despite quitting England
Bridge released a short statement yesterday claiming his presence within the England side was “untenable and potentially divisive” and that he no longer wished to be selected by Fabio Capello.
The move comes after newspaper allegations about a relationship between Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel and Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy in the wake of the headlines by England boss Capello.
Tomorrow the former Chelsea colleagues will come up against each other for the first time since the story broke, as City travel to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
The two defenders are certain to be the centre of attention, but Given is confident Bridge is focused on the task of overhauling his old side. “He’s fine and he’s looking forward to the game and hopefully getting a good result,” said Republic of Ireland international Given.
“It’s a massive game for everyone at the club, including Wayne. Shaun Wright-Phillips is going back to his old club as well and they are both looking forward to it.”
Asked if he was surprised by Bridge’s decision, Given said: “It’s a personal thing for Wayne and a private one and I don’t really want to comment on that situation.
“He is fine, Wayne Bridge is totally fine and he is looking forward to the game on Saturday and hopefully getting a good result for Manchester City, that’s the most important thing.”
Bridge’s decision is the latest blow to an already unstable England defence, which is without captain Rio Ferdinand due to a back injury and first-choice left-back Ashley Cole due to a broken ankle.
While Bridge’s statement did not exactly say “It’s him or me”, it amounted to the same thing. The Manchester City full-back is not retiring from international football, but as long as Terry remains in Capello’s squad, Bridge will not be involved.
“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,” said Bridge.
“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, for the sake of the team and what would 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 best in South Africa.”
Capello, however, is refusing to close the door on the possibility of Bridge yet being on the plane to South Africa.
“I was flying back from Milan when Wayne Bridge announced that he would not be with us for the Egypt match and also in South Africa for the World Cup,” said Capello.
“It surprised me, but I respect the decision of all the players.
“But the door is always open for him.
“We have time, there is still three months until I will decide my final squad for South Africa.
“I hope that Wayne Bridge will be with us at the World Cup, but I respect his decision.”
Earlier FA chief executive Ian Watmore said he would not intervene with issues involving the England team.
He said: “We leave all the playing decisions to him (Capello). I absolutely don’t backseat drive the England team.’’
Tomorrow’s game takes place hours before Fabio Capello names his squad for the Egypt friendly yet there are claims Bridge will not be able to bear to shake Terry’s hand during the traditional pre-match greeting. Under those circumstances, it was difficult to understand how Bridge could reach any other conclusion than to withdraw, even though it was the scenario Capello was desperate to avoid when he stripped Terry of the captaincy.
By taking such a ruthless step, Capello hoped he could provide proof he had taken Terry’s indiscretions seriously, while retaining the harmony which is going to be required at the World Cup this summer.
Instead, Capello will probably look to either Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock, who has a grand total of six minutes’ international experience, and Everton’s Leighton Baines, who has none, to fill the void against Egypt whilst desperately hoping Cole recovers on schedule.
For his part, Terry must carry the burden of knowing his own conduct has cost a former team-mate a place in the greatest tournament of all.
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