Neville joins Roy’s Euro 2012 ticket

England manager Roy Hodgson believes Gary Neville will make an invaluable contribution to his coaching team.

Hodgson sprang a major surprise yesterday by confirming Neville’s appointment on a four-year contract. Hodgson wanted someone with relevant playing experience alongside him at Euro 2012, but it was felt Neville’s brother Phil was a more likely candidate, or Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher.

Instead, Hodgson has turned to the elder Neville brother to be his first full-time appointment following the part-time arrivals of Fulham coach Ray Lewington and Birmingham goalkeeping coach Dave Watson.

“Gary has achieved so much in the game as a player with Manchester United and England,” said Hodgson.

“He has obtained UEFA coaching qualifications and will be tremendously respected by the players because of his vast experience as a player.

“At my first meeting with the FA, I explained Gary was someone I wanted as part of my staff. I think it is very important we have a younger coach who knows the dressing room and is very experienced at international level. That he has represented England as a player at five major finals tournaments will make him invaluable.”