Why this trip to Wales is so important for England and Phil Neville

Seven months after his shock appointment as England women’s coach, Phil Neville’s first major examination arrives this evening, in Newport, with England meeting Wales in the decisive qualifier for next year’s Women’s World Cup.

It is unthinkable that England, semi-finalists at both the last World Cup and European Championships, favourites to host the next Euros in 2021, world No 4, would miss out on France next summer. However, if they lose to Wales they will be plunged into a daunting play-off series from which qualifying is uncertain.

For Wales, and their manager Jayne Ludlow, tonight represents the opportunity to make history. Ranked 29th in the world they have never qualified for a major women’s tournament and Ludlow described their goalless draw at Southampton in April as “probably the best result in our history”.

Taking no chances

That was Neville’s first competitive game and he said: “It does feel like a defeat.” A real defeat tonight would prompt questions about the Football Association’s decision to appoint a man with no background in the women’s game, minimal management experience, and who did not even apply for the job.

Victory would set the former Manchester United and Everton player up for a tilt at a World Cup in which England would be among the favourites. A draw would do the same though England would have to take a point from their final fixture in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

This should be a formality, but the FA is taking no chances having booked a charter flight for the 3,700-mile journey to Pavlodar.

Neville’s contract runs until Euro 2021 and the FA would stick by him even if England spend next summer kicking their heels, but the criticism of both would be substantial. “It’s not about me,” he said, but that is only partly true.

Relishing the big games

“I don’t feel the pressure. I wanted to become a manager for big games like this,” added Neville whose experience playing in pressure matches is one of the qualities he brings to the job, with knowledge of elite standards, a formidable work ethic and media attention. He has impressed upon the players they, too, should relish the big occasions.

Do not be misled by the modest location, the 8,700-capacity Rodney Parade, chosen by the Welsh to maximise the intensity of their home advantage, this is a big match. With Europe allocated only eight of the 24 finals places it is harder for home nations to qualify for the Women’s World Cup than the men’s. The seven group winners qualify automatically but there is one place available through play-offs featuring the four best-placed runners-up. Wales are yet to concede in seven qualifying matches but they have to score, a feat only achieved seven times.

For both being at a World Cup provides a huge uplift for the domestic game. In England’s case the league begins next weekend after another WSL re-structure creating a full-time division. Tonight will determine whether it launches on a wave of optimism or under a cloud of anxiety.