Wayne Bridge Turns His Back on the England Team and World Cup 2010

February 25th, 2010 | by: Daryl |

waynebridgeengland 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 child) 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.

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http://www.worldcupblog.org chris

After the way he played last night, Wayne should’ve just waited til JT was dropped on account of form.
ricci

JT, easily the most overrated defender of this generation
http://www.malawi.worldcupblog.org sscouser

“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.”

“there’s no way I’m playing alongside that John Terry.”

The victim should not be victimized further. In other words, in addition to being stripped of captaincy, Terry should have been dropped from the squad.

By the way, why was he stripped of captaincy? Some ask: “How can his team-mates trust and respect him when they know he’s capable of sleeping with their wives/girlfriends?”

Exactly, that’s why he should have been dropped.
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org Rami

I feel for him. What a crappy situation to be put in… He’s done the right thing for the team I guess but it just sucks to be him right now.
Johnny

Cheryl Cole and Toni Poole should both give Wayne a mercy bounce.
MoMONEY

“Turns his back his team” is a bit negative. I dont blame him one bit.
Blanda

Good job, JT! Geeeze… Poor guy. I imagine he’d want to fly kick JT anytime he gets within fly kick distance, so yeah.. it’d be hard for him to focus on training and performing to the best of his ability. What a bummer. The whole thing sucks. Who does that to their teammate/brother?
mattsmash

how come Bridge’s ex-girlfriend is totally blameless in this whole fiasco? it takes 2 to tango.
Al

Who will be England’s left back then?
http://www.worldcupblog.org Daryl

Al,

Candidates seem to be:

Proper left backs: Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock
Players who can sort of play left back but don’t usually: Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, Matt Upson, James Milner.

We’ll know more when Capello pick a starting XI for England vs Egypt next Wedensday.
Susan

I am a Football fan from Canada. I am disappointed that Wayne Bridge withdrew his name from playing with our mighty England squad. I was really hoping that he would out play and out shine one John Terry. If anyone should feel uncomfortable it is John Terry.
After all, he and “whats her name” caused all the stir in the first place. I do hope England does well in South Africa. I really feel it is England’s turn to shine. It would be an ideal victory going into the summer olympics. Who is going to play his position now? “Whats-her-name” I hope not :)
devito

Capelo should have dropped JT from the squad..For all you know JT he will be banging Capelo’s wife in South Africa.
ng

I guess one don’t have to worry about facing England on this WC. They already took care of making it harder for themselves. There’s no way the team will be the same, technically and mentally, starting with John Terry.
http://lacelesteblog.com Fernando

Bridge’s wife though would tempt the devil himself…
http://www.tickettogames.com/fifa-world-cup-soccer-tickets world cup 2010 tickets

Sad! England may be in trouble after Ashley and Bridege.. but i still hope for best
sid

Am I missing something here ? did JT had the affair while this chick was still seeing Bridege? or was it after she was his EX ??
http://defutebol.net Bobby Gee

This shows Bridge has some real class. Terry actions will destory the English side. The repocussions are yet to be reaped. Trust me on this. http://defutebol.net
Val B

I think Wayne Bridges should reconsider his World cup chance. He played against John Terry today and he coped.
The hurt he feels now, given time it will fade. John Terry is still living his smug little life, so why give him the satisfaction of not playing for your country.
When Man City played Chelsea, Wayne did not shake Johns hand so if he changes his mind and plays in the world cup, play your game as normal, but you dont have to speak or associate with him.

Respect to you for not speaking out as everyone else has.
http://world-cup-2010-live.com World Cup 2010 Live

I dont blame him at all, its his choice if he dosnt want to play for a specific team anymore
ama80

a lot of people are commenting on how he turned is back on england, but these people are only thinking about themselves. what about him? would you play along side someone who had sex in YOUR own home with your ex? when were you both very good friends for years? and would you want to stay in the same hotel and share the same dressing room with someone you hate? i don’t blame wayne for making a moral decision to protect his son and not based on a job.