Neville fires WC warning

England must have best players fit to challenge says Utd defender

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 23rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Neville fires WC warning

Neville: England not among favourites

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Gary Neville believes England will need to keep their best players fit and receive a little luck along the way if they are to win the World Cup.

The Manchester United defender is currently enjoying his longest injury-free spell for a number of seasons and still harbours hopes of making Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa next summer despite not playing for his country since February 2007.

However the 34-year-old points out that England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Doha last week highlights that the national team are still some way short of competing with the best in the world.

But Neville, who is a veteran of two World Cups, has not written England off completely stating that they are among the second band of teams capable of lifting the famous trophy.

"England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil showed that they are still a little behind the world's best," he wrote in his Sunday Times of Malta column.

"England are presumably not in the top three or four teams who are favourites for the World Cup.

"But I would say they are one of the next three or four teams that could potentially win it if they keep all their players fit, have a bit of luck and play at their maximum level.

"England can beat anyone when all their best players are fit and firing but to repeat it every few days in a World Cup atmosphere is difficult."

Comments (10)

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Richard Hincks (Manchester City fan) says...

Does Neville actually do any training or does he just do interviews about none issues? I don't want to know your opinion Neville, why not just concentrate on getting back in the side so you can get yourself sent off again?

Posted 13:10 23rd November 2009

Richard Booth (Manchester United fan) says...

John Doyle. Why do Liverpool Fans feel the need to turn random articles into an excersise in attacking United? Nevelle may well not make it to the W.C. but who knows what injuries may occur? Liverpool fans need to stop moaning about United players and concentrate on their own SHOCKING performances. Oh and Pete Raku..............You chose to read this so your a bit of a hypocrite!

Posted 13:07 23rd November 2009

John Stewart (Manchester United fan) says...

Way to show respect to someone who has played his heart out for club and country, I also doubt he could make it but England are not currently blessed with a solid right back, Petty club jealousy should play no part in playing for or supporting your Country. I may hate a few players in the league but that is generally because they are great players and a threat, But i would jump at the chance to have them play in my team and would not care who they played for before. If we are to put forward Joke nominations for WC - Ledley King oh yeah he can't even train and struggles to finish a game now. Oh and Hutton is not fit to shine Gary's shoes and im a Scotsman..

Posted 12:58 23rd November 2009

Andrew Wilkes (Manchester United fan) says...

granted gaz nev probably has too much to say and won't make the world cup - 2 right backs to be johnson and richards? - but bearing in mind that he has won more trophies than all the spurs and liverpool players put together (eh pete and john) his opinion is as valid as anyones. that said i can't see past brazil or spain at the moment.

Posted 12:57 23rd November 2009

Ryan Lowe (Manchester United fan) says...

John Doyle.. At least Neville is battling to get back into the England squad, unlike Carragher who couldn't bare the competition. Cry baby.

Posted 12:45 23rd November 2009

Chris Hollington (Arsenal fan) says...

Give Foster a chance i think! I also can't understand why Capello hasn't made Lennon his number 1 right wing and Defoe the second striker partnering Rooney! Lennon and Defoe work so well together for Spurs and with Rooney just behind Defoe he will be able to play Defoe on whilst taking his own chances too! Then have Joe Cole on the left wing with Barry and Gerrard in centre Mid field. Il leave the defence choices up to capello

Posted 12:36 23rd November 2009

Barry Goodman (Manchester United fan) says...

The real joke is a so-called football fan who reads Gary's comments and feels the need to respond to them by saying that "no one is intersted in your points of view". Get a life Pete and read something you are intersted in.

Posted 12:29 23rd November 2009

John Doyle (Liverpool fan) says...

You have no chance of getting to the squad Neville, may aswell announce your retirement now. Cant even get a game for Man Ure

Posted 10:51 23rd November 2009

Mukta Gurung (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

I think England should include G. Nevile because he is fit , experienced and good player.

Posted 10:42 23rd November 2009

Pete Raku (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Is it just me or is everyone apart from deluded Man U fans just a little bit sick of hearing anything this has been has to say about anything? Stick to your 5 games and 80k a week salary at Utd, no one is interested in your points of view and as for the WC please! I think Wes has more chance and he is a joke!

Posted 10:21 23rd November 2009
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