Fabio Capello refuses to comment on Wayne Bridge's England exit

The England manager, Fabio Capello, remained silent when questioned today on Wayne Bridge's decision to make himself unavailable for England selection. Capello today returned to the country from South Africa, where he has been examining the facilities at England's training camp for the World Cup, and when informed of Bridge's announcement by journalists on his arrival made no comment on the situation and refused to answer questions. With Ashley Cole out for several months with a fractured ankle, Capello faces preparing for the World Cup without his first- and second-choice left-backs. Stephen Warnock is the favourite to replace Bridge for next week's friendly against Egypt, while Leighton Baines has forced his way into the reckoning with a string of impressive performances for Everton this season. Capello could alternatively ask Joleon Lescott to fill in as a makeshift full-back. The defender, a team-mate of Bridge's at Manchester City, plays predominantly as a centre-half but has filled in on the flanks previously.