England Women

Phil Neville: 'Some want me to lose all three SheBelieves Cup games'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter
Published: 27 February 2018 8:42 PM

Phil Neville believes that some critics would like him to lose every game at the SheBelieves Cup in America, his first tournament in charge of England Women.

Phil Neville has claimed that some critics would like him to lose every game at his first tournament in charge of England Women.

The former Manchester United and England player was appointed to the role in January, but had to apologise a day after taking the job for historic tweets deemed to be of a controversial nature.

Neville's appointment was also criticised because of his lack of coaching and women's football experience, but the 41-year-old stresses that he has the full backing of the Football Association.

"I see this as a long-term project," Neville told BBC Sport ahead of the beginning of the SheBelieves Cup in the United States.

"I don't think I should be judged solely on this tournament. There are probably people out there that want me to lose all three games, and say 'I told you so'.

"But I have got a four-year contract. [The FA] have invested a lot in me."

England start their campaign against France in Ohio on Thursday before facing Germany on Sunday, March 4, and then taking on hosts USA on Thursday, March 8.