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 this summer.

Bridge made two brief substitute appearances for England at the 2002 World Cup before travelling to Germany but not playing for his country four years later.

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 impress England boss Fabio Capello and stake a claim for a starting role.

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 - a temporary one for now - to his England career.

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

"It's not the decision I would have expected and it's not the one I would have advised him to make," Taylor told Press Association Sport.

The Professional Footballers' Association chief executive, who was in the dark about Bridge's intentions prior to today's announcement, 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.

"It's not every day you get a chance to be part of an England squad and to be at a World Cup.

"At the same time you have to respect Wayne's wishes."

Taylor was ready to act as a mediator between Bridge and Terry, who have been team-mates with Chelsea and England in the past and were known to be good friends prior to the recent claims.

With Bridge now at Manchester City, he will come up against Terry this Saturday when Roberto Mancini's team head to Stamford Bridge for a Barclays Premier League fixture.

All eyes will be on the pair, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to shake hands before kick-off, as is now customary.

Taylor was looking for them to shake hands and reconcile prior to the match, and avoid the need for either of them to walk away from England.

"That's what I was hoping for the overall situation," Taylor said.

"Bearing in mind what's happened today it's going to put a bigger spotlight on the game.

"It would be ironic if they shook hands before the game.

"Hopefully they'd be big enough to put it behind them."

Bridge may be able to avoid clashing with Terry on the pitch, however the pair would have had to spend several weeks in each other's company within the England camp if they both travelled to the World Cup.

Taylor said: "It's a very closed environment but the manager has got a job to make sure everyone gets on well. It's not easy. It would be naive not to think within the England camp that everyone's got their own friends."

Although Taylor suggested Bridge may one day return to the England fold - "never say never," he said - the prospects appear slim unless he and Terry can sit down and work out their issues.

The PFA could again propose a meeting, Taylor confirmed.

He said: "I'll wait and see. We've got to respect the players' privacy. I know people (at Manchester City) very well. I'd been under the impression he was coping with the situation."