http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Phil-Neville-c29904 backed the FA’s decision of appointing Roy Hodgson as the manager of England, and believed that the experienced Englishman can mark the beginning of an era highlighted by successes for the Three Lions.
Hodgson took over the reins of the national side, after former manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 after engendering differences with the FA, following John Terry’s dismissal from the post of captaincy.
Hodgson last managed the Premier League club West Bromwich Albion before being given the international assignment.
Nevertheless Neville, who has capped 59 international appearances for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 over a period of eleven years, viewed Hodgson’s selection just ahead of the Euro 2012 competition as a clever move.
The 35-year old was of the opinion that England will go into the tournament as the underdogs, and hence with less pressure of meeting the fans expectations; a factor which they can utilize to their advantage.
He also approved the 23-man squad announced by the Englishman last Wednesday, and was glad to see the names of a lot of young players in the list.
While talking to reporters, he said: “We've got energy in the team, we've got players who haven't suffered from tournament disappointment, and that's a good point.”
Hodgson put Manchester United's 33-year old defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rio-Ferdinand-c31173 on standby, and the move to overlook him in the 23-man squad was welcomed by Neville.
He continued, “In [Joleon] Lescott, [Gary] Cahill and [Phil] Jones, you've got maybe three defenders that are going to be in the next major championships and the two after that.”
On the subject of the appointment of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gary-Neville-c14447, his brother, as one of the national coaches, the Evertonian felt that it was an intelligent move by the manager, as the former Manchester United skipper had vast experience both in domestic and international
tournaments.
He remarked, “He is well respected and I think he has won a lot of people over with his honesty and his thoughts on the game.”
Roy has gone for somebody who won't be a yes man, it's somebody who will challenge him and I think it is a master stroke.”
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