Phil Neville is set to step down as the manager of the England Women’s team next summer, at the end of his current contract.
It was expected that Neville would guide the Lionesses during Euro 2020, but with the tournament being suspended for 24 months as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, it now appears as if he will not be granted that honour.
The Times report that the Football Association is set to announce the news shortly, which will also include plans to appoint a new boss in time for the rearranged Euro 2021.
With a one year gap between the end of his contract and the European Championships, whoever takes up the role will be given 12 months to work with the squad and prepare accordingly ahead of a major tournament.
However, what remains unclear – and should be confirmed by the FA on Thursday – is whether his deal will be extended slightly to encompass the rearranged 2020 Olympic Games, which will not begin until a month after the end of Neville’s current deal.
Neville has found himself under stern criticism from supporters since the 2019 World Cup, with performances in SheBelieves Cup back in March seeing England win just one of their three matches and finish third in the group.
Friendly clashes have brought with them no success either, as results since last summer’s tournament in France equate to seven losses in 11 games – a run that started with a 2-1 defeat by the United States in the semi-final.
Last month it was reported that despite his critics, Neville was refusing to resign from his post, and that a conference call was held on with key figures in the Football Association concurred it was not the right time to sack the former Manchester United player.
While it appeared as if Neville was to be given this summer’s European Championships to prove he is the right man for the job, given that the competition has been postponed until 2022, it would seem that a decision has been made to search for other candidates.
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