Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge has said he does not want to be considered for selection by England.
The news means that Fabio Capello will not be able to include the
former Southampton and Chelsea defender in his squad for this summer's
World Cup finals in South Africa.
Bridge has made his decision after a relationship between his
former partner Vanessa Perroncel and Chelsea and England defender John
Terry became public knowledge.
Although Capello stripped Terry of the England captaincy, Bridge
has said his place in the squad has become "untenable and potentially
divisive".
It is a major blow for England as first-choice left-back Ashley
Cole is currently injured and Bridge was expected to replace him in
next Wednesday's friendly international against Egypt.
The 29-year-old issued a statement which read: "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.
"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 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."
Source: DSG