TONI GIVES NEV A BOOST

from STEVE BRENNER in Colombus am a Scouser, so the conversation didn’t go too far! God knows if he knows who I am. I had my name on the back of my shirt, so hopefully he remembers it!”

Neville’s Lionesses aren’t knocking it about like Barca just yet.

But this was an impressive start and with skipper Lucy Bronze also playing abroad with Lyon, England now have some continental flair in the ranks.

Duggan added: “I feel, the way I play, that I am bringing something different to the team.

“In Spain they are relaxed on the ball and that is something I am trying to improve. We have drawn on Lucy’s style and she helped us before the game.

“It is a massive thing for the women’s game and I hope more people do it. It has been a bit of a whirlwind but I have loved moving over there.

“Not many of the girls go and play in Europe. I’m proud of the fact that I have.”

This thrashing of the French was just the second win over Les Bleus in 44 years and with Germany next up tomorrow in New Jersey confidence is high.

The controversial sacking of former boss Mark Sampson threatened to rip the squad apart. But Duggan reckons Neville’s arrival has helped everyone come together at just the right time, with the World Cup in France fast approaching.

She said: “It was a positive start but we have just carried on from where we were at the Euros.

“We are a tight unit and we push ourselves. It’s a unique thing. We push each other and the girls who are chosen get that support.

“It has been a difficult year and nobody is going to hide from that. But we are delighted to be in this position now.

“What better way for Phil to mark his debut game. We know this is just the start of the hard work. We know we can go a lot further.”