But Barry insists England will be united whether or not the full-back changes his mind and makes himself available for the World Cup finals.
Bridge has declared himself unavailable for the foreseeable future following the much publicised off the field headlines involving himself and deposed skipper John Terry.
Barry respects Bridge’s decision but is glad Fabio Capello has left the door ajar for the left-back should he decide he wants to go to South Africa.
Barry, who helped England defeat Egypt 3-1 at Wembley on Wednesday night, said: “I think at this moment in time, we are all respecting Wayne’s decision.
“But the manager has left the chance for Wayne to come back so he has still maybe got a decision to make.
“He can do that on his own rather than anyone else pushing him.
“Will seeing myself and Shaun doing well for England only help? Definitely. I am not sure if he watched the game but Wayne knows all about playing for England.”
But Barry is adamant England have to be all pulling in the same direction if they are to mount a serious challenge to win the World Cup.
He said: “A lot has been written and said about the England squad but, when together, we realise we need to be together if we are going to progress and achieve anything as a team.
“With personal issues, it is tough for professional players to get involved too much when we are meeting up because we are coming together as a team.
Bridge decision
“I obviously respected Wayne’s decision and, when we met up, we are a team and you have to be professional about it.
“We showed (against Egypt) it is all forgotten. Even if Wayne changed his mind, we’d all be together, even more so.
“Like I said, it’s good the manager has left it open but let’s respect Wayne’s decision.
“But the atmosphere and mood was nothing different from a normal meet-up.
“We realise this is an important period for us. This was the last game before the meet-up for the World Cup so we don’t need any distractions.”
Barry believes Wright-Phillips has taken a big step towards boarding the plane for South Africa with his performance against Egypt.
Wright-Phillips came on as a second-half substitute and set up one goal for Peter Crouch and scored one himself.
Barry said: “Has Wright-Phillips, taken a big stride towards the final 23? Yes, I think Shaun realises that on the right side, there is so much talent out there and you’ve really got to take your chance when it is there.
“Shaun had a point to prove and I think came through with flying colours.
“He is competing with Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, David Beckham. Shaun realises that and I’m sure the other players do as well and it is important they take their chance when asked.
“The manager will also be watching your club form so you’ve got to keep it up.”
What do yo u think? Have your say.
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Drew Peacock (04/03/2010 at 15:49)
catterickblue, Catterick (04/03/2010 at 15:57)
I still believe he is the best signing by Mark Hughes, just wish he would be given more of that free reign here at City so we can see some box to box movement and goals.
Lets hope Fabio finally decides to play EITHER Lampard or Gerrard. Gerrard on the left doesn't work, reminds me of City a few years ago under Pearce, completely lob sided.
Milner - Barry - Gerrard - SWP
Sweep did himself no harm last night either, so lets see some more of it here. Mr M give him a run in the team and stop messing his position about. Shaun ... forget your contract till end of next year fella.
Last point, pains me to say it but why is Rooney not the England captain? The lad is head and shoulders above the remainder and to date, apart from a taste in slightly older women, the guy is tabloid free.
The crafty goat, Manchester (04/03/2010 at 16:09)
Don't know what Barry's stats were in this England friendly, but he covered much of the pitch and was very involved. His movement and pass for the first goal were fantastic.
SWP showed just why Capello has to take him to SA. He has pace, dribbling skills, balance,makes goals, covers back, tackles, has passion, brave, team player, strong engine etc.
The other contenders for the right hand spot have little of these overall attributes. Lennon and Walcott are fast but too lightweight, lacking overall involvement and not enough commitment.
Golden Nuts - great right foot, BUT......absolutly no pace, cannot beat a man, cannot tackle, cannot head it, no engine, there for the ride and for ages has been disruptive and taking the team for a ride! Let's not even go there!
The crafty goat, Manchester (04/03/2010 at 16:42)
Rooney great player, great season, loves playing footy, refreshingly like a big kid. Pity he's a rag but that may change soon!
Captain think not, let him play with no other worries. Great captains are role models leading by example both on and off the pitch. They have to be great players too because it is they the manager pencils in first. However, they should also be intelligent and bright people with drive and offer a balance of carrot and stick with team-mates, handle the media well and not forgetting the vital conduit between the manager and the dressing room.
For this reason I'm glad Terry didn't join City because he's not very bright and lacks many of these attributes. Prior to that no wonder England with its golden-age players won sweet FA with Golden Nuts wearing the armband.
Nearer to home, best contender for City captain from current squad Kompany and Ned (if he's good enough to be a regular)
Failsworth Pole, Failsworth (04/03/2010 at 18:39)
On another note just got my Fulham ticket through for £49 does anyone know wheather travel, drinks and hot meal are included?
steve zodiac (04/03/2010 at 18:42)
bubba, cleethorpes (04/03/2010 at 19:08)
ted knott, droylsden (04/03/2010 at 20:31)
Hands of Stone, Southside, Manchester UK (04/03/2010 at 21:15)
Not because he is a red, but because he is not mature enough at all and Im not sure his 'personality' ever will be. He looked like he was on the edge of snapping all night, he berrated officials and he is just too over the top and emotional to be a Captain of England. It's not just about just being a good player, how naive - you want a composed ambassador: Gareth Barry all day long for me.
The FA dropped a clanger picking Eyals mate ferdinand emu head but I suppose he hits another target market.
Barney Daniels Shooting Boots (04/03/2010 at 22:32)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/04/shaun-wright-phillips-manchester-city
Hands of Stone, Southside, Manchester UK (04/03/2010 at 23:38)
Shay's Gloves (05/03/2010 at 00:09)
Bobby Johnstone's left kneecap, Hong Kong (05/03/2010 at 03:07)
Peter Doherty. As good as it gets! (Was it really 37 (THIRTY SEVEN) years?), Levenshulme (05/03/2010 at 07:49)
This is Manchester, we do things differently here. (05/03/2010 at 08:44)
It's like our old heavyweight boxers, too stiff and upright and hoping for that one knockout blow whilst the Americans danced around, landed lots of punches and tee'd us up for the stinging final blow.
Our side needs to realx.
blue to bits, Old Trafford,Stretford. (05/03/2010 at 08:47)
That you BARRY put in a performance for City as good as your perfomance for England on Wednesday night!!!!!
Defence splitting passes,goal making passes,tackling,defending you did the lot - never seen you do that for us in one game.
As for that clown Southgate making Crouch MOTM for two touches(two goals you couldn't miss even if you were blind)explanes why he is currently unemployed!!!!!
ian norman (05/03/2010 at 08:59)
blue to bits, Old Trafford,Stretford. (05/03/2010 at 10:37)
Before you start believing the poisionous bile in the Gaurdian read on
Daniel Taylor is a football writer. He has been the Guardian's man in Manchester since 2000. He previously worked as a Manchester-based freelance for several titles. He has written books on Manchester United and Nottingham Forest
Know your enemy
PhilB65, City Forever (05/03/2010 at 12:15)
blue to bits is right about 'knowing your enemy'.
It's ebtter to read OBJECTIVE journalists like Sam Wallace and Ian herbert in the Independent or Tim Rich who freelances in both the Indy and the Guardian.
Andrew Shaw (05/03/2010 at 15:30)
Francis (05/03/2010 at 22:23)
Francis NZ
Blue45, Hyde (05/03/2010 at 23:25)
I thought Barry had a superb game against Egypt, and SWP certainly put himself in the picture again with an encouraging display.
Although it may be difficult for Wayne Bridge to come to terms with whats happened I think he should have a change of heart because he owes it to himself, family and team mates to play on the greatest stage in the world in a competition that is every footballers dream.
Waynes can wear the badge with pride with head held high because this opportunity may never present itself again, and could be sorry in later life when his playing days are over.
Go for it Wayne lad, life is to short to let your dream pass you by.
Colin Bell's Boots, Wilmslow (07/03/2010 at 16:15)
ted knott, droylsden
4/03/2010
That was surely a mistake Ted................Barry is a City player you know !!!
Thought you could have commented about his right foot not being so good ,,,,,,,,Mancini's fault, obviously !!!