A late arrival on the scene as far as World Cup selection goes, Bridge was not even involved in qualifying for the tournament.
Sven-Goran Eriksson first tried Charlton's Chris Powell in the left-back position but, in Bridge, the England manager has discovered another outlet for the youth and pace that he so craves.
The Southampton man took advantage of an injury to Arsenal's Ashley Cole to make his debut against Holland in February.
Performed well and followed that up in the friendlies with Italy and Paraguay to secure his place in England's World Cup squad.
And Bridge made his World Cup debut as a second-half substitute during England's 1-0 Group F win over Argentina.