Wayne Bridge says England’s stars will be sad to see Sven Goran Eriksson leave his post after the World Cup finals.
The Swede was left in an impossible situation after being trapped by a News of the World sting operation and The FA have confirmed that the coach will quit after the Germany finals, despite having two years left on his present contract.
Bridge, speaking after Fulham’s defeat to West Ham on Monday night, insisted the players will not be affected by the storm.
“I’m sad to see him go because he showed so much faith in me,” Bridge told Sky Sports News.
“He picked me all the time and I’m sad to see him go but, hopefully, I can impress the next manager.
“At the moment, I want to concentrate on the present.
“I think the players are just loving the fact that it’s such a big tournament and want to do well.
“Nobody’s looking beyond that.”
The on-loan Chelsea man was delighted to receive the call to play in last year’s dramatic friendly win against Argentina, a match that had instilled fresh belief England could go all the way in the 2006 finals.
“He was brilliant,” the defender added. “I had no idea I was going to be involved as I was on holiday and got the call to come back.
“It was brilliant the way he stuck by me like that and I want to repay him, come back and do well.”