Warnock targets vacant England place

Villa defender Stephen Warnock has targeted an England place after admitting Wayne Bridge's decision to quit internationals could "open the door" to the World Cup.

Manchester City defender Bridge made himself unavailable for England selection in a statement yesterday, citing his position in the squad as "untenable and potentially divisive" following newspaper allegations about a relationship between Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel and international team-mate John Terry.

With broken-ankle victim Ashley Cole facing a race against time to be fit for South Africa, Fabio Capello needs a new left-back and Warnock, who will start for Villa in Sunday's Carling Cup final against Manchester United, hopes to be involved at Wembley again on Wednesday for the friendly with Egypt.

The Villa man said: "I thought I was pushing hard anyway but with what has happened maybe it has opened a door. Ideally it would be great to win the Carling Cup and get called up for the Egypt game but let's wait and see.

"It will be the manager's decision. He picks who he thinks is right for the job. All I can do is concentrate on my form with Villa and try to impress him."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes Warnock, whose biggest rival is likely to be Everton's Leighton Baines, has a great chance of getting the call.

He said: "Stephen wouldn't let England down, absolutely not. With Bridge now saying that he'll not make himself available, which is kind of a brave shout on his behalf, this is now a chance for Warnock.

"There are a number of left-backs playing that would consider themselves candidates for the spot and Warnock is very much one of them.

"He's done exceptionally well, particularly coming back from the injury which he thought may have been a season-threatening one. For him to fight back I'm just so pleased for him."