Gary Neville admits coaching role has come sooner than anticipated

Former Manchester United defender is among the England coaching staff

Gary Neville has revealed he never had any plans to go into coaching so soon after retiring from playing.

The former Manchester United full-back is one of England manager Roy Hodgson's coaches, a role he combines with working as a match analyst for Sky Sports.

"It was no plan of mine to go into coaching," he said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. "I was quite comfortable that I had stepped out of football and I didn't want to rush things - while not dismissing the fact that I did want to go back in eventually."

He admitted, though, the chance to be involved with England was what persuaded him to reassess in May last year.

"It's England, I loved playing for England, I love my country," he added.

"Roy is a fantastic coach and when I watch him take a session he believes wholly in the ethic of coaching.

"He takes nearly all the sessions and I'm there to help and support the manager."

PA