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Jan 15, 2020

Why 2020 SheBelieves Cup matters for England's players and Phil Neville

With the Olympics looming and England’s form poor the games in the US in March carry significance – and a chance for revengeFriendly tournaments do not generally warrant much attention. The sponsored mini cup competitions that clubs sign up for in pre-season are a prime example of games that have very little bearing on, well, anything. The US-hosted SheBelieves Cup, though, is seen a little differently generally, as national teams pit themselves against the world champions in their own back yard. This year, for the Lionesses, March’s tournament is about more than bragging rights and the confidence boost of beating the best. Here’s why ... Related: Phil Neville and England relishing tough task of SheBelieves Cup title defence Continue reading...

Jun 19, 2019

Georgia Stanway and Rachel Daly seize chance to impress Neville

Phil Neville has been keen on rotation throughout the World Cup and Stanway and Daly – both making their World Cup debuts – certainly justified their selectionKnown as a bit of a tinkerman, even those most used to Phil Neville’s mix-it-up style baulked at the eight changes for such a statement game against Japan. He has made 12 in the three games. Having qualified, only top of the group was up for grabs, but with the USA and France both throwing down their title credentials, the former in some style, this was a chance for England to announce themselves as serious contenders in a side of the draw where they could meet either team.Dropping the “crot” (cross/shot) queen Beth Mead,...