As he considers his England future, it has been revealed Manchester City fullback Wayne Bridge came close to quitting international football almost two years ago.
The Times says in the summer of 2008, just a few months into Fabio Capello's reign as England manager, Bridge was considering his future, disillusioned at being asked to fly around the world acting as understudy to Ashley Cole.
The Manchester City defender was talked out of retirement 18 months ago by his friends and representatives, who are again urging him to take his time before making a decision he could live to regret, with the World Cup finals in five months' time.
John Terry was among those who told him to stick with it on that occasion, but Bridge is unlikely to listen to the England captain's advice this time around. Four days on from the onset of a very public humiliation, Bridge will still not take Terry's calls.