Bridge expected to soldier on with England (From Daily Echo)

Bridge expected to soldier on with England

5:37pm Friday 5th February 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

FORMER Saint Wayne Bridge is refusing to turn his back on England, despite John Terry's alleged affair with his girlfriend, according to reports.

And national team manager Fabio Capello is also understood to be desperate to retain the services of his left back, whose future with England seemed to be in some doubt after the Terry scandal became public.

Capello held showdown talks today with Terry, who was subsequently stripped of the England captaincy after a string of damaging revelations.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is set to play Bridge in his side's game against Hull tomorrow, after two months on the sidelines with a medial ligament injury.

The Italian has reportedly told England bosses that Bridge wants to claim his place in the squad for the World Cup.

Mancini revealed he had also spoken to Capello's right hand man, Franco Baldini, about Bridge's mindset.

"Baldini asked me about Wayne and I told him that he is training every day and it's not a good moment in his head," explained Mancini.

"But it's not a problem on the training ground. For me it's important he can play now and not think about the other person.

"Wayne is most important for us and the other players.

"He's the best left back in England and the Premier League and that's the most important thing for me and the other players."