Phil Neville can fill the opening in England patrol left by Wayne Bridge International Football

Patrick Barclay, Chief Football Commentator & , : {}

With a bit of luck, Wayne Bridges withdrawal from the World Cup will infer educational as Ashley Cole recovers from damage in great time to resume his on all sides as Englands left behind in South Africa. Then all Fabio Capello will need is a deputy for Bridge on the bench.

Before we residence some-more murky assumptions and the subject of either England, with all the complications that have arisen over new weeks, sojourn critical possibilities for the title, let it be stressed that Bridge deserves no critique over his decision. Far from it; his have a difference was cool and definitely understandable, as well as perfectly timed prior to Capello names his patrol for the accessible compare opposite Egypt at Wembley.

The last thing England need is a stability sideshow, a diversion from the technical and tactical issues that need to be addressed on Wednesday and in the dual serve matches prior to England flog off their debate in Rustenburg. They concern, between others, the surreptitious means of Bridges withdrawal: such was John Terrys opening for Chelsea opposite Inter Milan in San Siro last night that a little of us wondered if he, rather than Bridge, should dump out of the squad.

But Terry, armband or not, is a tie in Capellos defence. Alongside Glen Johnson and, when fit, Rio Ferdinand, his inheritor as captain. But who right afar deputises for Cole? My choice, since a transparent field, would have been immature Kieran Gibbs, of Arsenal, but he as well is regarded as doubtful to be match-fit by early June.

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Joleon Lescott? The actuality that he plays a opposite role, centre back, for Manchester City would not severely have a difference if his general appearances hitherto had been unconditionally convincing. But he tends to see nervous. Leighton Baines has admirers, but is untested, whilst Nicky Shorey fails to magnitude up. While the most appropriate fit English left behind in the Barclays Premier League is Gareth Barry by a mile, Capello would perceptibly instruct to lose the shift he provides in executive midfield.

So Stephen Warnock, his Aston Villa colleague? He should be tested at the initial opportunity, but, the some-more you think about it, the some-more you consternation if a stop for Phil Neville competence have sense; nonetheless Everton have use of him anywhere alternative than left back, he played there for England mostly sufficient in his girl (least happily when he gave afar a match-losing chastisement opposite Romania at Euro 2000) and stays an glorious professional.

All in all, it is as well shortly to be worrying unduly. Yes, I know I sloping England to win the World Cup. And I have proposed to sidestep my bets. But vagaries of form, fitness and even in isolation hold up can have the design shift quickly. There is positively no fact for branch the depart of Bridge in to the wake of a nation.

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