Phil Neville has developed a ‘special bond’ with his England squad as 2019 World Cup qualification is sealed
The Lionesses beat Wales 3-0 to secure qualification to next year's World Cup in France
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Phil Neville says he has developed a "special bond" with his England squad after guiding them to the 2019 Women's World Cup.
The Lionesses brushed aside Wales 3-0 in Newport on Friday night to win their qualifying group and reach next summer's finals in France.
Neville, who was appointed in January after previous manager Mark Sampson had left in controversial circumstances, said: "This is a massive step for us. As a group I feel as if I'm a lot closer to them now.
"I'm seven months into the job and I think we've got a special bond. Nights like this test that bond and I think we've come through it."
Wales went into the winner-takes-all clash at Rodney Parade without conceding a goal in their previous seven qualifiers.
But second-half goals from Toni Duggan, Jill Scott and Nikita Parris rewarded the Lionesses' domination and bolstered Neville's belief that England can shine in France.
"I told them to relax at half-time," Neville said. "I said if we're going to be affected by what's going on around us at Rodney Parade, then what chance have we got playing in a World Cup final in Lyon?"
England play their final group game in Kazakhstan on Tuesday and Scott, Fran Kirby and Jodie Taylor are set to miss the trip after picking up knocks against Wales.
Gabby George and Lucy Staniforth are expected to make their debuts.
Wales still have an outside chance of making the play-offs as one of the best runners-up, and manager Jayne Ludlow feels her team is heading in the right direction.
"We have work to do to make sure we have more players at the top level," Ludlow said.
"It would be really nice to see a fully professional outfit on the pitch in the next two to three campaigns, and that can happen if the programmes we have running right now impact the kids."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments