Bridge: I won't play for England

The Manchester City left-back has made himself unavailable following John Terry's affair with his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel.

Terry was axed as skipper soon after the revelations were exposed but Bridge was expected to continue his role with the Three Lions.

With first-choice left-back Ashley Cole ruled out for the rest of the season, he was tipped to fill-in for the friendly with Egypt at Wembley next Wednesday.

However, Bridge released a statement today, insisting he feels he cannot feature for the national side.

He said: "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.

"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." Players' chief Gordon Taylor also revealed both Terry and Bridge shunned PFA peace talks.

Taylor said: "The PFA offered to help and contacted both parties with a view to acting as mediators but neither came back to us. I am surprised and saddened that this matter could not be resolved. You have to respect Wayne's decision, and his wishes, but it is sad that it has come to this.

"I would have hoped that things could have been patched up for the sake of the professional careers of both Wayne and John Terry, as well as the England team."