Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Stan Collymore tells Phil Neville to take Salford or League One jobs after England Women
PHIL NEVILLE should not stick around too long in the England Women hotseat if he wants to return to the men’s game, according to Stan Collymore.
Women’s World Cup: Phil Neville ‘got tactics wrong’ says fan
Neville led the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, although the campaign was ended on a sour note with a 2-1 loss to Sweden in the third-place play-off.
England’s performance at the competition did wonders for the competition and the semi-final loss to USA clocked the biggest viewership of the year on British TV.
Neville is contracted until 2021, after England have held the European Championships, and said after the side’s final game in France that he has every intention of seeing through his deal.
"I think the last 18 months have given me things that no other job could have given me and this World Cup has been everything and more of what I expected," he said.
I’m sure, when he took the women's job, it was intended as a stepping stone back to the men's game
"You read and listen to stories, and people say: ‘What's the next move?’ But I can't think of a better job in football.”
The former Manchester United and Everton player is also scheduled to take charge of Great Britain women’s team at next year’s Tokyo Olympics, but Collymore believes he should look elsewhere to further his coaching career.
“If I was Phil, I'd be wondering how long I'd want to stick around as England's international manager,” the former Liverpool striker told The Sunday People.
“I’m sure, when he took the women's job, it was intended as a stepping stone back to the men's game.
“He's been an assistant to David Moyes at Manchester United and at Valencia when brother Gary was boss.
Women's World Cup: Phil Neville reacts to England's 2-1 win
“His stock is sky-high after helping raise the professionalism and mentality of the Lionesses.
“But if he wants a return to the men's game, he'd be taking a risk by sticking with England's women too long.
“His ties to Salford City make him a certainty as boss as they start climbing through the professional leagues.
“And there will be Championship and League One club admirers.
“He's been great for women's football - but if his management dreams are still in the men's game maybe it's time to act now on a high.”