Neville proud to manage his ‘unbelievable professionals’
England coach ‘blessed’ going into World Cup Crowd for final warm-up could exceed 30,000
The magnitude of the now imminent Women’s World Cup – and what England manager Phil Neville described yesterday as “the biggest thing that will ever happen in my life” – was twice brought into sharp focus over the past week.
The first was when Neville and his players saw the atmosphere created by almost 20,000 fans at Hampden Park on Tuesday during Scotland’s 3-2 win against Jamaica. “We are playing Scotland, our biggest rivals, we hate each other, all that rubbish, but ultimately we watched that game and were filled with pride,” said Neville. “Yes, we are all fighting for one prize but there is actually a massive movement in women’s sport, a common aim and we are all in it together.”
Neville and his squad then sat down together to hear an interview with Fara Williams, the all-time England appearance record holder. Williams only narrowly missed out on selection for this tournament but, as she described a career that began while homeless to ultimately amassing 170 caps, a responsibility dawned that stretched far beyond individual ambitions.
“To think where we were then, with the stadiums, the kit and the opportunities, to where we are now inspired our group,” said Neville.
“That’s who we are playing for: All those who went before us and fought for us. We are playing for a group of Lionesses, not just the current 23 players. I feel blessed. I’ve come in and I’ve been given everything on a plate.”
To illustrate the point, Neville explained how Gareth Southgate gave the Lionesses priority over facilities at St George’s Park last week while their teams prepared for respective tilts at the World Cup and Nations League. “That fills me with pride,” said Neville. “It’s not just a tick-box any more. It’s happening before our eyes.”
A crowd of more than 30,000 has also become a realistic ambition at Brighton’s American Express Community Stadium against New Zealand today for the final warm-up match before England begin their World Cup against Scotland in Nice a week tomorrow. The message to local fans was emphatic. “Forget men or women: come and watch some of the best footballers playing for their country with pride, determination and quality,” said Neville.
One player who has lived through the transformation is Karen Carney and, ahead of her ninth major tournament, a sense of unfinished business still lingers strongly. “We are privileged and the next generation will be even more privileged hopefully,” she said. “It’s been such a journey and we have a duty to remind people and honour those who have got us here today. We are 100 years behind men. I’m proud, but I have not achieved what I wanted as an 11-year-old kid. Until I get that gold medal I will feel unfulfilled.”
Neville will rest Demi Stokes as a precaution today when he is expecting more collective energy from his players amid a scaling back of training intensity. He has also been trying to ease some of the mental pressures and, unlike some previous England men’s managers, will factor in plenty of downtime once the tournament starts.
“From day one I have treated them with respect,” said Neville. “They train intensely, and when they get away from the training ground they can switch off. Each player is taking 14 or 15 family members. After most training days, there will be time for them to relax, go and see their mum, dad, partners, aunties, uncles or whoever is com
ing over just to switch off. The games will be that intense, the expectation will be that great, that they will just need to be treated like adults. We don’t have rules – just that you have to show respect.
“They are the most unbelievable set of professionals. Never once have I had to discipline them.
“The only rule is that we don’t have rules.”
That formula is clearly appreciated. “I think you are entitled to have trust unless you break it,” said Carney. “I like being treated as a human being. We are professionals – everyone wants to win a World Cup. You are not going to jeopardise that with stupid behaviour or by not looking after yourself.”