The Bexhill-based rider is part of a five-strong Great Britain team for the opening stage of the eight-team competition.

Great Britain will line-up in event two at Peterborough on Monday July 13 when they will take on Australia, Poland and Slovenia.

The winning side will go straight through to the final in Leszno, Poland, on Saturday July 18 along with the triumphant nation from event one.

Those finishing second and third in events one and two will contest the race-off, also in Leszno, on Thursday July 16 for the remaining two spots in the final.

Nineteen-year-old Bridger, who rides for Eastbourne Eagles, last week qualified for the final of the World Under-21 Championship for the third year in succession.

The former Bexhill High School student was crowned British Under-21 champion back in April having won the British Under-18 Championship three years ago.

Hastings-born Edward Kennett is also in the squad, while St Leonards-based Lee Richardson was a surprise omission, although he could play a part later in the competition.