I will know when it is time to quit England, insists Neville
Manager feels secure in job ahead of Spain clash Backing of FA helps to ‘look beyond criticism’
Phil Neville knew when the time was right to retire as a player, and is adamant he will know when it will be right to step down as England manager, as he prepares for a game against Spain which will make or break this Shebelieves Cup campaign.
Lose to Spain in Frisco and this will have to be viewed as another disappointment for the Lionesses, extending their post-world Cup slump.
Win their final game, however, and the two victories over Japan and Spain, following a 2-0 defeat by world champions the United States in the opening game, will give the team momentum and offer timely evidence of progress being made.
Neville told the Football Association after the World Cup that this season would be one of transition ahead of next summer’s European
Championship, but conceded he was lucky they had continued to back him so strongly.
Even if England had lost all three games in this tournament, The Daily Telegraph understands the FA would not have sacked the former Manchester United and Everton defender.
“I think it’s really important to have that backing, because if they start wobbling, then it’s time to change and to look elsewhere,” Neville said. “You need the backing of the people with you.
“I have such a good relationship with [head of women’s football] Sue Campbell and she’s driving the tank alongside me. She says that to me all the time and I include her in everything. She helps me with everything. In terms of bringing in [fitness coach] Dawn Scott, she was a big part of that.
“I told her what vision we had – in terms of the young players – and she is a visionary. You have to look beyond the criticism. I own a football club [Salford City] myself and I think it’s important to give support to the manager. It’s so important.
“Stability is the key to success, and I am lucky I have that from the people I work for. I am in close contact with Greg [Clarke, the FA chairman] and I meet with them all the time and they have utter faith in what we are doing.
“There is a real balance and acceptability that we have to improve, but they know the journey we are on and, ultimately, when I look at the situation and myself, I will know myself if it is not working. I will know if it’s time to go.
“I came off after a game when I was 36 against Wigan and I played terrible. Literally at half-time I retired because I knew my time had come. I went to see [Everton manager] David Moyes the next day. I stayed until the end of the season and that was it. I’m quite honest and reflective in that way.”