Bridge makes himself unavailable for England

Wayne Bridge has decided to make himself unavailable for England selection.

The Manchester City defender claimed in a statement released by his lawyers this morning that his presence within the national squad was potentially "divisive" and that he did not wish to be selected.

It was recently revealed that Chelsea captain and England centre back John Terry conducted an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge and mother to his child.

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

Following the news of Ashley Cole's injury, the announcement now leaves Capello without his two best left-backs for Wednesday’s friendly with Egypt.

"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," Bridges's statement read.

"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."