Troubled waters as Bridge opts out

The Italian, preparing for next week's friendly at home to Egypt, has plenty to ponder before naming his squad following Wayne Bridge's decision to rule himself out of international football.

With broken ankle victim Ashley Cole already facing a race against time to be fit for the finals in South Africa this summer, the Manchester City left-back's withdrawal just a few hours after newly-appointed captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out with a back injury will have added to Capello's black mood.

It means the England manager has plenty of thinking to do before naming his squad at 8pm tomorrow, especially as whoever gets the nod against Egypt on Wednesday is likely to be Cole's stand-in during the World Cup.

A host of names are vying to fill the left-back berth against Egypt with Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock likely to be in Capello's thoughts along with Everton duo Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott.

Leeds-born James Milner is also an option along with Gareth Barry, though the fact neither play at left-back for Aston Villa or Manchester City respectively may well count against them.

Bridge's decision to withdraw from England duty was a headache Capello could have done without as he flew back into England yesterday following a brief stop-over in Italy on the return journey from inspecting facilities in South Africa.

The Football Association were quick to stress in the immediate aftermath of yesterday's news that what happens next is entirely down to Capello.

Bridge's announcement followed revelations about a relationship between his former partner Vanessa Perroncel and then England captain John Terry.

The Chelsea defender was subsequently stripped of the captaincy by Capello in an attempt to draw a line under the affair. He had planned to name both players in the England squad to face Egypt.

However, following much soul-searching, Bridge opted to rule himself out after claiming his presence within the national squad would be potentially "divisive".

Not only will Bridge's withdrawal be keenly felt in terms of personnel, it also has potentially serious repercussions for squad morale due to the City left-back being close to several of his former club team-mates.

Terry, likewise, has his own loyalists among the England set-up and the danger is that the fallout from the tawdry saga will continue to cast a shadow over the preparations for this summer's World Cup finals.

Certainly, Three Lions supporters are already split over Bridge's bombshell news with fierce debate breaking out over the airwaves and on internet messageboards.

Some suggested the left-back should have put personal feelings aside for the good of his country, while others firmly pointed the finger of blame at Terry and said the Chelsea man should be the one to miss the World Cup.

On the field, the scandal has already had repercussions for Terry with the Chelsea captain's form having slumped since the news first broke.

Following on from his less than assured performances against Everton and Wolves, Terry was badly at fault for Inter Milan's first goal as the Blues crashed to a 2-1 Champions League defeat on Wednesday in the San Siro.

Capello will be concerned as to what impact being thrust into the spotlight is having on his erstwhile captain, especially as tomorrow sees Terry and Bridge go head-to-head on the field as Chelsea face Manchester City in the Premier League.

There will be much interest in whether the pair shake hands ahead of kick-off, while SkyBet are taking bets on whether either Terry or Bridge will be booked for a foul on the other.

On his decision to withdraw himself from selection, Bridge 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.

"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.

"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."