Some interesting comments on the pressures facing players who represent their country. Perhaps we should remember this when critiscising poor performances?
Neville: England 'a waste of time'
Yahoo Sport
Gary Neville has revealed he sometimes regarded his long England career as "a massive waste of time".
The Manchester United legend, who won 85 international caps, delivered a withering assessment of his time with the Three Lions in his autobiography, which is being serialised in the Mail on Sunday.
Neville said that many players live in fear of criticism from fans and the media, and also criticised several of the managers he played for.
He wrote: "There have been times when I reflected on my international career and just thought: ‘Well, that was a massive waste of time.’
"Sorry for sounding sour, but my best mate, David Beckham, got butchered after the World Cup in 1998, then my brother, Phil, after Euro 2000.
"The whole lot of us got it in the neck at other times. Sometimes we deserved it, but playing for England was one long rollercoaster: some ups and downs, but also quite a few moments when you’re not really sure if you’re enjoying the ride.
"It should be fantastic, the best moments of your life. But there is no doubt that too many players spend too much time fearing the consequences of failure when they pull on an England shirt."
Neville, who had a 12-year England career stretching from 1995-2007, said that Kevin Keegan "fell short of the level required" and even admitted there were times when he was pleased not to be playing.
"Things got so bad during Kevin’s reign that it was a relief to be left on the sidelines or injured," Neville said.
Glenn Hoddle's unconventional methods were also exposed. As well as employing faith healer Eileen Drewery, Neville claimed Hoddle would touch players just above the heart before matches, and "asked the staff to walk around the pitch anti-clockwise during the game against Argentina to create positive energy."
Neville also said Sven-Goran Eriksson picked Michael Owen as captain when David Beckham was injured because he was more famous than more deserving team-mates.
"Nothing personal against Michael, but there were other players, like Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard, Frank Lampard and me, who were more obvious contenders," Neville wrote.
"But Michael was the bigger name, and Sven could be a little weak like that."
