Neville praises his ‘patient’ Lionesses

Phil Neville claimed England Women had to negotiate “three or four buses” in their World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina. England moved to the top of Group A after Toni Duggan’s 56th-minute goal and a late penalty from Jodie Taylor secured victory in Zenica.

Alex Greenwood was sent off shortly after half-time for a second yellow card for simulation, after earlier being booked for dissent, while the hosts had captain Amira Spahic sent off on the hour.

England had laboured to a goalless draw against Wales in Southampton on Friday night but, despite being confronted with another ultra-defensive unit, they finally found a way through.

Neville had predicted Bosnia would set out two defensive lines of five players in a bid to thwart England. And so it proved, as the hosts attempted to follow Wales’ lead in keeping England off the scoresheet.

“We talked about parking the bus – this was parking three or four buses. It was football like I had never seen before,” said Neville. “It was a patient performance. The first goal was always going to be key and we managed to get it.

“It was comfortable throughout but, as long as it is 0-0, there is always that temptation of thinking back to Friday when we dominated Wales and we didn’t manage to get the goal. So the girls stuck at it.”

Despite being confronted with a defensive-minded 5-4-1 formation, Neville’s side found a way to hit the net when Duggan poked out a foot to stab home Lawley’s cross, before Taylor made sure from the spot. England