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Phil Neville wants to coach England women's team

Phil Neville has confirmed he wants to be the next manager of England Women.

The former England, Everton and Manchester United player has been in talks with the Football Association about taking on the role.

The FA has been tight-lipped on plans for the permanent successor to Mark Sampson, who was sacked last September.

But Neville has emerged as the most likely candidate after a host of names linked with the job pulled out of the running.

He has never worked in the women's game but said: "I am in talks with the FA and the discussions will continue. I'm excited to see how those discussions turn out.''

He added: "Hopefully the process will end up with me getting the job. It's been rigorous, it's been tough, but I think I've shown my commitment in the fact that I do want the job.''

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Manchester United and Valencia assistant added: "I've been waiting for the right opportunity to get back into football. Number one on the list was I wanted to be a manager.

"I wanted to be a manager in a club or system that would allow me to develop, would give me the best chance to succeed.

"I've got the opportunity if the talks come off that I can go to a World Cup and be successful and have a chance of winning a World Cup with a group of girls who are extremely driven, extremely professional. And in terms of my development as a coach I think this is the best job I could wish to ask for.''

Neville said he has turned down "two or three offers in the past 18 months'' to get back into the game, saying they did not feel "right for my career."

He knows there will be some who question his inexperience in women's football.

Neville, 40, added: "I think [Baroness] Sue Campbell [The FA head of women's football] said it a few weeks ago or in an interview that you want the best man for the job or the best person for the job whether that's female or male, and I'm going through the process at the moment.''

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