Every England Left-Back Out Of World Cup, Caught In Adultery Scandal

After Ashley Cole went down with a broken ankle, all of England's hopes rested on Wayne Bridge. Would he put the personal unpleasantness aside, for queen and country? Hell no.

Bridge released a statement yesterday, removing himself from consideration for the World Cup squad. That'll happen when the dude who slept with your girlfriend is on the team.

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."

England's always been a deep team, and when the Terry scandal broke, they didn't go into panic mode because it was assumed Ashley Cole would fill the role. Of course, Cole went down two weeks ago with a broken ankle. And, of course, Cole is dealing with a divorce from his pop star wife after his own infidelities came to light last week. These are the things that happen when you're an England left-back.

So who takes the role? Leighton Baines? Stephen Warnock? Both very inexperienced. James Milner? Gareth Barry? They'd have to change positions. And then there's the certainty that whoever gets the cap will be immediately embroiled in their own cheating scandal.

Wayne Bridge slams the door on John Terry and England [Times of London]