Beth Mead full of praise for departing England Lionesses coach Phil Neville

Hinderwell’s Beth Mead has paid tribute to former England Lionesses coach Phil Neville after his departure was confirmed earlier this week.
Beth Mead in England actionBeth Mead in England action
Beth Mead in England action

Neville was due to leave his role in charge of the Lionesses later this year regardless, but the opportunity to take the job at MLS side Inter Miami, owned by his former Manchester United teammate David Beckham, has accelerated his departure.

England have already announced the appointment of Sarina Wiegman as his successor, the Dutch coach assuming the full-time role following the Olympic Games in August, while Norwegian Hege Riise is set to be named interim coach.

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Mead is full of praise for the job Neville did in charge of the Lionesses.

She said: “I got on really well with Phil, he gave me my England debut and believed in my ability from day one and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

“He gave me freedom, belief and confidence in myself he knew my abilities and what I was capable of before I even knew.

“We were informed a while before so we knew it was coming and that Phil was looking to move on to new adventures.

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“Hopefully I can do all I can to be selected for the next camp.”

Neville said: “It has been an honour to manage England and I have enjoyed three of the best years of my career with The FA and the Lionesses.

“The players who wear the England shirt are some of the most talented and dedicated athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with.

“They have challenged me and improved me as a coach and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared.”