I KNOW SOME PEOPLE WANT ME TO FAIL
Neville kicks off his new role claiming the critics are waiting to pounce on any error
PHIL NEVILLE takes charge of England for the first time tomorrow determined to prove his doubters wrong.
Neville knows the knives are out following his controversial appointment that sent shockwaves through the women’s game.
Add in sexist tweet revelations and it has been a tricky start for the Manchester United legend, who takes on France here before playing Germany and the USA – the only two nations ranked above the Lionesses.
But Neville, 41, spent his playing days proving critics wrong and he is not about to stop now.
Glory at next summer’s World Cup is the aim and Neville said: “People are going to be watching this first game wanting us to lose. We know that is going to happen. People want me to fail, 100 per cent.
“They want me to come here and lose all three games. But do you know what? That’s just how it was in my playing career.
“People wanted me to fail. That’s part of my motivation. The team have their motivation, I have mine. It is to show people that we will be successful.
“It’s the English mentality of wanting people to fail. I’m sure Gareth Southgate feels the same way sometimes.
“Also it was a surprise to people I wanted to take this job and, given the negativity that surrounded it, there are people who want me to fail.
“But the way I’ve been received inside the women’s game has been nothing short of fantastic.” England have been at the annual She Believes Cup for the past two years – and won just two games.
Neville added: “I’m not going to be judged by my bosses at the FA off these three games.
“But they know they are three massive games and if you look at England’s record in this tournament, we have found it difficult.
“It is going to be no different this time. But this is a chance for us to make a statement.
“If we had played a team who we are better than in my first game and won three or four-nil, I wouldn’t have learned anything. I have already learned that the players who are here want to be here.
“I know over the next 10 days what standards are required. We are playing the No.1 and No.2 teams in the world and I will see them at eye level. We will see how good they are.”
Injury has robbed him of skipper Steph Houghton, vice-captain Jordan Nobbs and leading striker Karen Carney, meaning call-ups for youngsters Rachel Daly, Abbie McManus and Georgia Stanway.
Their response left him gobsmacked. He revealed: “We had a brilliant moment on Monday when the young girls I’ve called into the squad, we made them stand up in front of the group and explain what playing for England meant to them.
“It’s one of the best moments I’ve had in football because playing for England is the pinnacle.
“We filmed it to show all those who play for England in future what it’s all about. It was emotional, it means the world to them.”