FORMER Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville reportedly played a role in England’s World Cup preparations.
Neville was dismissed by MLS side Portland Timbers last month after managing just four wins from 14 games.
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Phil Neville played a role in England’s World Cup preparations Credit: Getty
Thomas Tuchel spoke to English coaches who have worked in the United States ahead of the World Cup Credit: Alamy
Despite being sacked, the 49-year-old was praised for his “outstanding leadership qualities” by Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.
And that is likely why England boss Thomas Tuchel turned to him ahead of the World Cup this summer.
The Telegraph reports that Tuchel spoke to English coaches who have worked in the United States in the build-up to the tournament.
Neville was among that group along with former Toronto FC and Canada head coach John Herdman.
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Tuchel even considered adding one of them to his backroom staff to help with acclimatisation and logistics.
Former England defender Neville managed Inter Miami for two years before joining Portland Timbers, so is aware of the extreme temperatures that Tuchel and his players will face.
The conversations with Neville and Herdman helped to inform England’s decision to revert back to their original plan of basing themselves in Kansas City.
They had considered scrapping the idea after they lost out on their first-choice base to Argentina.
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Tuchel also spoke to John Herdman Credit: Getty Images – Getty
England clinched a 1-0 win over New Zealand in their first World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.
At full-time, Tuchel said: “I was happier with the second half. I thought we had more hunger and more desire. We played better but did not score.
“We didn’t play according to our plan in the first half. It slowed the game down, but it was better in the second half.
“We will acclimatise to the humidity and the sun while we are here. Tomorrow will be recovery day, then we have two days to prepare for Costa Rica.
“Then a chunk of players will get more minutes. The Arsenal players are in now, which is good because it gives us energy and quality, and then we have another one and a half days off.”
The Three Lions take on Costa Rica in their second pre-tournament friendly on Wednesday before kicking off their World Cup campaign next week.
