White knew Neville would prove his critics wrong

Former England women’ s captain Faye White believes manager Phil Neville has proved his doubters wrong as he prepares to lead the squad into their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday.

The ex-manchester United and Everton defender was a surprise appointment in January 2018, with many questioning if he knew enough about the women’s game.

Neville, pictured, flunked an early test when he was unable to name the leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League a this introductory press conference. But his record in the job has been more impressive than his quiz skills, with England having won ten of his 17 games in charge and lifting the Shebelieves Cup in March.

That has come as no surprise to White, who believes Neville’ s experience in the game makes him invaluable in the dressing room.

“I remember at the time he was appointed there were the questions, people saying he doesn’t know anything about the women’ s game,” White said .“But from my point of view, sat in that dressing room and knowing you have a manager of that calibre and experience that you can draw upon, I can’t think of anything better to motivate you and give you confidence.”

The upward trend of engagement around the England squad has only continued under Neville’s tenure, and big names including Alan Shearer and R aheem Sterling were involved in the announcement of his World Cup squad online.

White added: “It was a clever move from the FA in terms of raising awareness and tap ping into his contacts.

“Yes, there was a little bit of concern about whether he would push the women’s game and stay in it but I knew that when he saw what the female players give to play for England he would appreciate it and know that he has to move this on and he would forever

be part of that.”