United States 2-2 England: Phil Neville hails Lucy Bronze as ‘best in the world’ after draw vs USA

Neville was also delighted with Keira Walsh's display in midfield at the SheBelieves Cup in Nashville

Jack Rathborn
Sunday 03 March 2019 11:14 EST
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Lucy Bronze was excellent against the United States
Lucy Bronze was excellent against the United States (USA TODAY Sports)

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England Women head coach Phil Neville has heaped praise on Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh for their impact in the 2-2 draw with the United States in the SheBelieves Cup in Nashville.

Steph Houghton and Nikita Parris scored either side of half-time with Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath scoring for the States.

But Neville was left delighted by his side’s display against the reigning world champions.

“Lucy Bronze is the best player in the world. Write that down, print that, because she is,” Neville said.

“The two central midfield players today were probably the bravest players on the pitch in terms of having to take the ball under the most pressure. Bronze and Walsh in midfield were colossal.

Phil Neville was delighted with his team
Phil Neville was delighted with his team (Getty)

“Keira Walsh, I think, is getting up to the level of being world class and believing it: she takes the ball, she passes the ball, she’s athletic and has real energy.

“And then you throw in the style of football that we want to play – it means that we’ve got a good system.”

Neville added the game was the perfect advert for the women’s game.

England celebrate scoring vs the USA
England celebrate scoring vs the USA (Getty)

“That’s how football should be played. I think both coaches will admit that the result probably wasn’t the most important thing," Neville said.

We’ve just put on an advert for women’s football that was probably as good as I’ve seen.”

England head into the final game against Japan on Tuesday knowing a victory will ensure they take home the trophy.

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