Coach says lure of working for England and Roy Hodgson brought him into coaching early

Gary Neville says it was the lure of working for England under Roy Hodgson that saw him take his first step on the coaching ladder with the Three Lions.

The former Manchester United and England defender joined Hodgson’s coaching staff last year and admits he couldn’t have picked a more established coach to learn from.

And Neville reveals he never intended on becoming a coach so soon after retiring as a player, before England came calling.

He explained: "It was no plan of mine to go into coaching.

"I was quite comfortable that I had stepped out of football and I didn't want to rush things - while not dismissing the fact that I did want to go back in eventually."

After over 400 appearances for United and 85 caps for England, Neville was working as a television pundit following his retirement from playing.

And it was only when Hodgson and The FA came calling that he decided to take the plunge into coaching.

He added: "It's England, I loved playing for England, I love my country.

"Roy is a fantastic coach and when I watch him take a session he believes wholly in the ethic of coaching.

"He takes nearly all the sessions and I'm there to help and support the Manager."

The England squad meet at St. George’s Park on Monday for their next two World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.