England boss Phil Neville will not settle for second... even if it clears path to World Cup final

Holding role: Beth Mead (left) celebrates Jodie Taylor’s winner against Argentina
EPA

Phil Neville's face was a picture when asked if he had heard from his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been in touch with Scotland boss Shelley Kerr to offer support this week.

Neville barely said a word, but he did not have to; Ferguson does not lend advice to England managers.

The Lionesses coach can, at least, count on the support of Gareth Southgate and the pair have been in contact during the Women’s World Cup. Neville, however, has promised not to copy the approach taken by Southgate at the men’s finals last summer.

A year ago in Russia, Southgate made eight changes for the final group game, a 1-0 defeat to Belgium, knowing that finishing second would place England in the more favourable side of the draw. So it proved.

A defeat to Japan here in Nice on Wednesday would leave Neville’s side as runners-up and avoid a likely semi-final against hosts France or holders USA, even if it would mean a tougher game in the last 16.

“There are pitfalls to finishing first or second, so I’ll be picking my best side to finish top of the group,” said Neville. “That [semi-final] fixture excites us.”

Neville emphasised the importance of building momentum and confidence at the 35,624-capacity Allianz Riviera — the scene of England’s humiliating defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, when his brother, Gary, was assistant manager — and he wants England to start affecting the psyche of their rivals.

France beat South Korea 4-0 in the tournament’s opening match, while the USA’s 13-0 humbling of Thailand was clearly a statement, regardless of its commentary on the women’s game. England, by contrast, have laboured a little in one-goal wins over Scotland and Argentina, which will not have struck fear into Germany, France and the USA.

“I want us to play three, win three and affect the mindset of other people in the tournament, but more importantly, give my players more confidence,” Neville said.

“The belief in the dressing room after Argentina, though we only won 1-0, was a really great feeling and that’s why we need to win.

“Forget the permutations, playing three, winning three in a group everyone said was the group of death would send a strong statement.

“We are watching the USA, Germany and France. They’re all winning their groups and we need to keep up with them. The only thing missing from our game is a three- or four-nil victory.”

Neville’s quest for goals has been boosted by the return of one of his most trusted players in Toni Duggan, who is fit after missing the opening two matches with a thigh strain.

The Barcelona forward could replace Fran Kirby at No10, with the Chelsea playmaker most in need of some rest and relaxation tonight following an injury-hit season. Japan have also flattered to deceive thus far, failing to break down Argentina in a 0-0 draw before recovering to beat the Scots.

Even so, the tournament specialists have reached the past two World Cup Finals, winning in 2011 and beating England in the semi-final in Canada four years ago.

Before that game, Neville’s predecessor, Mark Sampson, said he would “bite your arm off and two legs” for a victory over the reigning champions, but there is less desperation and more of a steely sense of expectation about the current England squad.

The scars from that sweltering night in Edmonton have healed and the Lionesses now have a new coach, half a squad of new faces and an entirely new approach.

A 3-0 win over Japan in the SheBelieves Cup in March underlined their progress under Neville. Japan coach Asako Takakura has also rung the changes, bringing an inexperienced squad to France with 17 players making their World Cup debuts and an average age of just 24. The belief is that he is already looking ahead to next summer’s Olympic Games.

Despite so much change, Neville was happy to repeat Sampson’s message.

“I’ve got to be honest with you,” he said with a smile. “I’d bite your legs off to win tonight.”

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