WAYNE Bridge today stands on the threshold of realising his World Cup dream after winning selection for Sven-Goran Eriksson's 27-man squad to face Italy at Elland Road on Wednesday.

More importantly for the Southampton defender, the England coach chose to omit Charlton's Chris Powell and Liverpool's Jamie Carragher from his squad, two of Bridge's rivals for the left-back berth.

With just one more friendly remaining, against Paraguay at Anfield next month, before Eriksson names his 23-man squad, Bridge knows if he can build on his promising debut against Holland in Amsterdam in February he could force his way into that final selection.

Eriksson said: "The door is not closed. This is not necessarily going to be the squad for the World Cup. It might be if someone else shows they are in good shape, then we will see.

"Normally players can sleep a little bit better if they are in the squad though."

The England coach has said he intends to use Arsenal's Ashley Cole for the first 45 minutes against Italy despite his recent injury problems, though that might be at left-back or in midfield.

Either way, it would seem that Bridge and Cole are in the box seat for the World Cup Finals, but the Southampton-born defender is playing it cool over his chances of making the plane to Japan and Korea.

He said: "Obviously I am delighted to be in the squad again, but I am not even thinking about the World Cup.

"I am just happy to be involved again and I am hoping to figure in at least part of the game on Wednesday. It was a wonderful experience making my debut against Holland and the Italians will be just as tough.

"Everything has happened so quickly for me, but I don't want to get carried away.

"I have plenty of time on my side and, while I would love to go to the World Cup, I am not looking any further than this game and the run-in with Southampton."

Saints Reserves are in action tonight when they take-on Coventry Reserves at the Friends Provident St Maryu's Stadium. Kick-off is at 7pm admission is free.