Roy Hodgson expects Gary Neville’s Spain adventure to benefit England

England coach Gary Neville will make his first foray into management at Valencia — a surprise appointment that Roy Hodgson believes will help rather than hinder the national team.

News that the former Manchester United defender would take the reins at the Primera Division club for the remainder of the campaign came as major shock.

Neville has become a popular pundit with Sky Sports and a key coach in the England set-up since retiring during the 2010-11 campaign, although management has long been an ambition.

The former right-back recently completed his Pro Licence course at St George’s Park and will get his first taste of management in the unlikely surroundings of Valencia, where he will work alongside brother Phil, who had been coach at the club under predecessor Nuno.

The pressures that come with his new role mean Neville has left his job as a Sky Sports analyst, although the Football Association has confirmed he will remain in his role with England.

Neville was appointed to Hodgson’s coaching staff in May 2012 and is understood to have spoken at length with the England boss, and fellow coach Ray Lewington, before agreeing the deal.

Neville will still play a key role in the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 preparations, despite being based in Spain, and the well-travelled Hodgson believes he will flourish in the role.

“I’m delighted Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity,” he said. “It’s the right moment in time for him and I’m 100% behind his decision to join Valencia as the new head coach.

“As far as I’m concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team.

“Gary’s commitment to the FA’s preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact he will be coaching abroad during the next five months.”

Neville will be unveiled as Valencia head coach at a press conference today at 3pm Irish time, but Sunday will be his first official day in the Mestalla hotseat.

Neville’s first match in charge will be the home Champions League clash with Lyon on December 9 — a match Valencia have to win to stand any chance of progressing out to the knock-out stages.

Los Che sit third in Group H and ninth in the Primera Division standings, with coach Nuno quitting following Sunday’s loss to Sevilla.

The Singaporean businessman has ties to the Neville brothers through Salford City, which he owns a 50% stake in with the rest split between Gary, Phil, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Younger brother Phil has been with Valencia since July and reports suggest England’s performance analysis manager Andy Scoulding could follow them to the Spanish club.

Neville’s decision to head for Spain will come as major blow to Sky Sports.

He had quickly built up a reputation as one of the most incisive pundits in football.

Responding to the news, Monday Night Football co-presenter Jamie Carragher’s joked on Twitter: “Gutted! This reminds me of when Pegguy Arphexad left for Coventry”

Gary Lineker also took to social media, the Match Of The Day presenter describing Neville as “fascinating appointment”.

Alex Ferguson was Neville’s only manager at club level and the former United boss believes his long-time full-back has what it takes to succeed in Spain. “Gary has many attributes that suggest he will be successful in management,” Ferguson said.

“His leadership skills are strong, he’s honest and he’s hard working.

“He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading. I wish him, and his brother Phil, good luck.”