[Carson35]

Official: Gary Neville Out Of World Cup Finals
News Archive

Heartbreak for Gary Neville (Allsport)
05/03/2002. Gary Neville's World Cup dream is over after he told England boss Sven Goran Eriksson that his broken foot would not recover in time for the tournament.

The Manchester United defender sustained the injury a week and a half ago against Bayer Leverkusen, and knew that it would be touch and go to make the summer spectacular in Japan and Korea, but he has now told Eriksson that he does not want to be considered for the final 23-man squad.

United released a statement which read, "Following discussions between Gary Neville, the Manchester United medical staff and the club's orthopaedic consultant, it has been agreed that, even with the most optimistic prognosis, Gary will not reach full match fitness by the start of the World Cup."

"Consequently Gary has decided to notify the England manager of his unavailability for the squad. He felt it would have been unfair on the other players and everyone involved with the England set-up to wait for three more weeks before knowing for sure."

soccerage

 

[leg100]

A lot of england fans seemed pleased at this news. But g.neville is far more worthy of an england place than mills, carrager or p.neville ever could be. Seems like mills is the obvious replacement though.

 

[lskydiver]

Shame for England that Nevilles out but its not that much of a disaster. Mills shouldn't be in the first XI but i expect him to be there. Carragher would be my first choice now because he can defend better and has more experience in top level games.

 

[Van Nistelrooy]

Neville is a class act, solid and adaptable, whether you like it or not, his number of appearances proves he is a great defender.