Wayne Bridge has announced that he feels his position with England (11/2 with totesport to win the trophy in South Africa) is “untenable” and says he will not make himself available for this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester City defender has had to deal with intense media scrutiny about an alleged relationship between John Terry and Bridge’s former partner and the mother of his child, Vanessa Perroncel.

Even though Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy by Fabio Capello, Bridge has nowtold the England management that he feels he won’t be able to play again for his country.

The former Chelsea (4/9 to beat Bridge’s Man City on Saturday) star said in a statement: “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.”

Bridge’s decision leaves Fabio Capello with a major headache at left-back ahead of this summer’s tournament in South Africa, with first-choice Ashley Cole in a race against time to prove his fitness after suffering a broken ankle.

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