suitability to the role just one year into the job, but the big task still lay ahead. And now, despite England
cruising through their World Cup group with three wins out of three, winning their opening knockout
games 3-0 and 3-0 and only going out to a narrow defeat to the eventual world champions, the pressure is
still on.
England’s 2019 spiralled out of control, the players never seemingly quite getting over a defeat which saw a
disallowed goal, a missed penalty and a red card, before a second loss in the bronze medal match.
Both players and manager admitted there was still a hangover after a dismal draw to Belgium and defeat to
Norway, but the excuses started to wear thin after further home reverses to Brazil and Germany, the latter
in front of a packed out Wembley.
A narrow win over lowly ranked Czech Republic did nothing to ease the tension and everyone was probably
fairly thankful for the three-month break ahead of the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.
While there is and always will be an expectation on Neville and his side to win it as defending champions, it
is clear now there is a different outlook from the head coach. Whereas 12 months ago it was about instilling
a winning mindset into his side ahead of the World Cup, now begins the start of a new cycle, one which will
stretch 18 months to the team’s home European Championships, with an Olympic Games thrown in along
the way.
Neville says he’s banned all talk of Tokyo among players and staff, but it’s hard to ignore. As England’s pool
of talent grows bigger and bigger, throw in some talented options from Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland, and the fact only 18 players can travel does appear to leave Neville with a huge headache.
His squad selection for the SheBelieves though does seem to suggest he is looking further ahead. Last week
it was confirmed Old Trafford would host England’s Euro 2021 opener and Neville has brought several
players into the squad who may well just feature in that historic occasion.
While the USA are bringing their A-team - bar the pregnant Alex Morgan - and Japan have all eyes on
winning too ahead of a home Games, Neville appears to be taking a wider view in the hope of getting some
of his most talented youngsters vital game time in preparation for what will lie ahead.
Neville was open in admitting it was always his intention to bring some of his younger goalkeepers to the
tournament. 21-year-old Sandy MacIver is one of three uncapped players in the squad, while he’ll still be
sweating over the fitness of likely number one Ellie Roebuck after she was forced off against Chelsea in
Sunday’s FA WSL clash.
Former youth team captain Grace Fisk has also received her first senior call-up and talented forward Alessia
Russo has been drafted in to replace the injured Lucy Bronze after initially being set to travel as a training
player only.
Along with in-form Everton forward Chloe Kelly, who has one camp under her belt, and the super talented
Lauren Hemp who has a handful more, there’s a definitive youthful look to the squad that hasn’t been there
in the past.
This is a new generation where success will be demanded straight away. Even the more established young
players in the squad such as Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway are yet to reach their peak in England
shirts, but it’s clear if Neville gets the development of his players right then the future is bright.
But such call ups shouldn’t be seen or used as token gestures. Roebuck may be 20-years-old, but if she’s fit
there’s every argument she should be the team’s number one based on current form. If she might end up
facing the USA in an Olympic medal match in August, she should get the experience in a less pressured
environment when the sides meet for the first time since Lyon in Orlando.
Hemp has been one of the stars of the FA WSL this season, scoring and creating regularly and impacting big