Phil Neville ‘set to leave England women’s job in 2021’

Neville will leave his role as manager of the England women’s team when his contract expires next year, according to widespread reports.

Phil Neville is also unlikely to take charge of Great Britain’s team in the Olympics next year.

Phil Neville will leave his role as England women’s manager when his contract expires next year, according to widespread reports on Thursday. The former Manchester United and England defender’s deal would have seen him take charge of the Lionesses’ European championship campaign on home soil next year.

However, the reorganisation of the football calendar due to coronavirus means the women’s Euros is expected to be moved to 2022 by UEFA this week.

Neville is also now unlikely to take charge of the Great Britain team at next year’s Olympics, with the FA keen for his successor to get tournament experience before the Euros.

Big impact

After taking charge in January 2018, Neville quickly made a big impact as England won the high-profile SheBelieves Cup for the first time and pushed world champion, the United States, all the way before losing a pulsating World Cup semifinal 2-1 last year. However, England’s form has unravelled since, with a run of seven defeats in 11 games leaving even Neville himself questioning whether he was the right man to take the team forward.

“I’ve got to start earning my coin, being a better manager - and the results need to improve,” said Neville after a 1-0 defeat by Spain in England’s last outing in March.