WAYNE BRIDGE provided one of the bright spots for England during Wednesday night's disappointing performance in the 22 draw against Macedonia at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.
The 22 year old from Winchester, earning his ninth cap for his country, produced a highly promising display in a new role. The Saints wing back was pushed forward in front of Arsenal's Ashley Cole as England boss Sven Goran Eriksson used the two together down the left for the first time.
The long awaited tactic seemed to work well until Bridge was sacrificed after 59 minutes to bring on striker Darius Vassell as England tried desperately to win the game.
The switch did little to improve matters and in many people's eyes, including mine, the move may have been a mistake.
But Bridge was delighted to have played in the match on his own ground - the first international in Southampton since 1901.
"I didn't know I was playing until two hours before kick off, but it was a wonderful feeling to run out at St Mary's and be part of a great night for Saints and the city of Southampton," he told me.
"Obviously the result wasn't what we wanted, but it was still an honour to be involved.
"I was a bit disappointed to come off as I thought Ashley and I were beginning to combine well. But the manager wanted to put on another forward and play 4-3-3.
"He said 'well played' as I came off and I was pleased to have shown what I can do in a different role.
"I hope to keep playing well and be included in the team for the next game in the spring."
With Cole established as the first choice left back, Bridge's best chance of playing is a continuation of their promising double act down the left.
The Southampton man is having a great season and made some darting runs and fine crosses as he does for Saints. With he and Cole interchangeable, they provide England with much needed width and variety on that side of the pitch.
It seems unlikely that Eriksson will discard their partnership without at least one further look.
The other big success on Wednesday night was the way in which Saints handled the arrangements at their impressive new stadium.
The near capacity crowd of 32,095 was well handled and the superb pitch was a credit to head groundsman Dave Roberts and his team.
In addition, facilities were excellent for more than 200 working journalists, cameramen and photographers. The figure for a Premiership match at St Mary's is usually around 60.
The club's managing director, Andrew Cowen, was delighted.
"I think we can be pleased with the way things went and certainly the FA officials were too," he told me.
"When you think of the millions of television viewers who were watching as well, I feel we've made a good impression.
"We're hopeful of staging another England fixture in the future."
The match also did much to put the city of Southampton on the map and city centre traders reported good business - not least from the band of 200 or so Macedonian supporters.
All in all, a highly successful event - but what a shame about the result!
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