Phil Neville has announced that he will not renew his contract as the England Women’s head coach. Casey Stoney, Jill Ellis, Emma Hayes and Bev Priestman are just some of the possible names floating around as possible replacements.
Naturally there a are a few individuals that are excellent candidates for the position, and they will be thrown straight into the thick of it. The candidate selected will have a busy few years ahead of them.
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There are three prominent competitions on the horizon. The Olympic Games in 2021 which will be followed by the Euros in 2022 and the World Cup in 2023.
The FA’s director of women’s football, Sue Campbell told Sky Sports that Neville will work with the team to select his replacement. These are some candidates that may be looked at for the role:
Casey Stoney
Manchester United Women’s manager Casey Stoney could be a prospect. Stoney looks a good fit for the Lionesses given her experience as an England player and captain. She was initially part of Neville’s coaching team before signing with United.
In their first season in the topflight division, the Red Devils currently sit fourth on the log, under Stoney’s management. United would be hard-pressed to let their manager go after the foundation she has built.
Jill Ellis
A different candidate, although unlikely given her five-year commitment to the USA team, is Jill Ellis. The UK born World Cup Winner is available after she stepped down in October from the USWNT. Ellis is the only coach to win back to back World Cups and with 30 years’ experience in the women’s game, she would be the best for the job.
The England squad is in a similar position as the USA was before Ellis took over. They can be a dominant player in the women’s game but lack a missing component that Ellis could add with her experience at a high level.
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Emma Hayes
Hayes is one of the most successful coaches in England at the moment. She has been linked with the England job before but states that she is happy at the London based club. Hayes is currently the Chelsea women’s head coach. In her spell at the Blues she has won 2 WSL titles, 2 Women’s FA Cups and reached 2 Champions League semi-finals.
Evidently, she has the winning mentality that may be lacking in the national side currently. Hayes told TalkSport that it is an honour to be linked to the national team. Highlighting that she is doing something right.
Bev Priestman
Bev Priestman was handpicked by Phil Neville to be his assistant coach. Priestman brings a specific element to their dynamic, she is a tournament specialist. After playing for Mo Marley’s Everton, Priestman worked with John Herdman with the New Zealand and Canada national teams working across a variety of tournaments.
Priestman has worked with the current England group and knows the abilities of the players. All these factors would make her a suitable replacement for Neville.
Article Accredited To: Elizabeth-Jane Ringrose
