WAYNE BRIDGE has spoken of his dream to represent England in the city of his birth.

The Saints left-back is currently sweating on a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's starting line-up for the Euro 2004 qualifier at St Mary's tomorrow night.

Bridge, 22, is currently behind Arsenal's Ashley Cole in the pecking order, but momentum is building for Eriksson to double up with both players down the problem left flank.

Asked about the possibility of him and Cole playing together, Bridge said: "I would love that but I've read it a few times before. However, it would be a great opportunity.

"I hope to be playing but we will just have to wait and see. If I have a chance I will just have to try and take it.

"I've played on the left of midfield before and would love to be given the opportunity - I would just give it my all."

He added: "The feeling of coming on against Argentina in the World Cup was unbelievable.

"It was something I will never forget and it would be another dream come true to be involved in the game against Macedonia."

Bridge admitted it was a blow to miss out on a place on the bench for Saturday's 2-1 win against Slovakia.

"It was disappointing but you have to take the highs and the lows in football," he said.

"The manager said 'sorry' but it was a very good and young squad, and they got the result.

"I have a good relationship with Sven, he gets his point across well and Ashley has done really well at left back, he is someone to look up to."

Bridge, who has lived in Hampshire all his life, said it felt good to arrive back in Southampton.

"It's good to be back home and I can't wait until the game. The fans have been superb ever since I've played here and I'm sure they will be as loud as they usually are.

"Everyone at the club seems really chuffed about the game and it is a great achievement to be hosting an international."

Bridge also admitted he had already shown some of his celebrity England team-mates some of the sights of Southampton.

"A few of the lads have been shopping and to the cinema, and we went out for a bite to eat last night at TGI's.

"I've taken a bit of stick from the lads as well, asking where the boats shops are and complaining it was a long way away, just the usual sort of thing!"