Neville resigns as England manager ahead of MLS move

The former Manchester United star has left the Lionesses amid reports of a move to the MLS.

Phil Neville has vacated his role as manager of the England women’s national team ahead of his expected appointment at MLS club Inter Miami.

After spells as an assistant for the England U21 side, Manchester United, and Valencia, the 43-year-old took charge of the Lionesses in January 2018 in what was his first role as a head coach.

Despite his limited experience, Neville impressed and led England to the 2019 World Cup semi-finals in France during a three-year spell.

OFFICIAL: Phil Neville steps down as England Women head coach amid reports he's set to take over as Inter Miami manager 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2uYeW3wntq

— Goal (@goal) January 18, 2021

He is now expected to link-up with former United teammate David Beckham in the United States to become the new Inter Miami manager after Diego Alonso stepped down from the role in January.

“I want to pay tribute to Phil for his significant contribution during his three years with the FA,” read a statement from the FA Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell.

“In particular, the commitment, dedication and respect he has shown the position has been clear to see, and I will personally miss our many conversations about ways we can improve and progress,” Campbell said in an official statement.

“After steadying the ship at a challenging period, he helped us to win the SheBelieves Cup for the first time, reach the World Cup semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics. Given his status as a former Manchester United and England player, he did much to raise the profile of our team.

“He has used his platform to champion the women’s game, worked tirelessly to support our effort to promote more female coaches, and used his expertise to develop many of our younger players.

“Given the positive ongoing dialogue we have been having with Phil, we will be in a position to provide an update soon on an interim appointment, as well as provide a further update on the coaching situation regarding Team GB.”

Netherlands head coach Sarina Wiegman is the reported favorite to replace Neville after the Olympic Games in August.