PLAYERS’ chief Gordon Taylor has expressed amazement at Wayne Bridge’s decision to quit the England team ahead of the World Cup.

Taylor was ready to explain to Bridge that the best decision he could make would be to put his differences with John Terry to one side, and make the trip to South Africa.

With first-choice left-back Ashley Cole injured and battling to recover fitness in time for the finals, long-time understudy Bridge had the chance to stake a claim.

Taylor expected him to tell Capello he would be available for next week’s friendly against Egypt, but instead Bridge chose to put a halt to his England career.

Bridge made his decision following the allegations about a relationship between Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel and Terry.

‘‘It’s not the decision I would have expected and it’s not the one I would have advised,’’ Taylor said.

The PFA chief executive, who was in the dark about Bridge’s intentions, explained: ‘‘Everyone’s got to make their own decisions.

‘‘For most players – we have a membership of 3,000 – the majority would have given everything to go to the World Cup. At the same time you have to respect Wayne’s wishes.’’ Taylor was ready to act as a mediator between the pair, who have been team-mates with Chelsea and England in the past. With Bridge now at Manchester City, he will come up against Terry tomorrow when Roberto Mancini’s team head to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League fixture.