Bridge urged to reconsider

Roberto Mancini hopes Wayne Bridge will change his mind and go to the World Cup with England.

The Manchester City defender has made himself unavailable for international duty following John Terry's alleged affair with his former girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

Fabio Capello has left the door open for a return and the England manager stated earlier this week that he was hopeful the left-back would reverse his decision.

Mancini has now backed Capello by saying that Bridge should take the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament.

The left-back, who would be a contender to start for the Three Lions if Ashley Cole fails to recover from a broken ankle, is currently sidelined himself after undergoing hernia surgery.

But Bridge should be back in a month and Mancini will stress the importance of going to South Africa, where he feels England could triumph.

Big chance

"It is always important for a player to play in the World Cup, because you can only play in it once or twice in your life," said the Manchester City manager.

"I hope for Wayne and England he changes his mind. If you have a chance of playing for England, they can win the World Cup.

"So for a player it is important to play in this World Cup. The England team have a big chance and I hope Wayne will change his mind.

"I think he will be ready for the last five games of the season. In the next month maybe he can change his situation.

"When Wayne returns to training I will speak with him and hope he will play in the tournament."