Who Will Replace Second Choice Bridge?

Today Manchester City and occasional England defender Wayne Bridge has announced that he no longer wishes to be selected for future England international matches, due to ex-Captain Marvellous’ alleged involvement with his ex.

Having had his international opportunities limited by another player who also allegedly cannot keep his balls in their box, Bridge has had little time to shine on the international stage.

Making most of his appearances in friendly matches and minor qualifying games, his performances have largely been nondescript, apart from one, for which he will always be remembered in my mind.

Needing a win against a strong Croatian side to qualify for Euro 2008, Bridge was a part of the XI that tantalisingly failed to deliver a win and Bridge himself had a poor game in which he relentlessly gave the ball away needlessly.

Admittedly there were other factors contributing to our defeat, including a wolly with a brolly, a mud bath of a pitch and a keeper with a hole in his middle where balls could frustratingly wriggle through.

With Ashley Cole busy sending texts (allegedly) while on the treatment table, Bridge has potentially left a void at left-back, so who are the candidates to take his seat on the plane to South Africa.

Stephen Warnock

A reliable full back who is relatively unproven at the highest level, Warnock is a naturally left sided player who would slot comfortably into the vacancy. Further international experience is needed though as he has only made one appearance in an England shirt and that was as a substitute for the last eight minutes against the mighty Trinidad & Tobago in 2008.

Joleon Lescott

Currently recovering from knee surgery, the monumentally expensive defender has already gained international experience, but doesn’t always look comfortable in the full-back position, as he ably demonstrated against Russia during the doomed qualification campaign for Euro 2008. He may get the nod though due to his versatility as a centre-back.

Leighton Baines

Everton full-back Baines is comfortable on the ball and loves getting forward to join the attack and he’s become a dependable fixture at Goodison Park since him move from Wigan. An old fashioned left-back, complete with matching haircut, who does exactly what is expected of him, without any thrills or theatrics. Mr Capello could well be a fan considering his public request for players to show discipline on and off the pitch.

Tags: England, Wayne Bridge