Beckham backs Neville inclusion

Former England captain David Beckham has backed Roy Hodgson’s decision to add Gary Neville to his coaching staff for Euro 2012.

LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham played with Neville at Manchester United for over a decade in a highly successful period for the club.

And Beckham, who was speaking in Greece as part of the London 2012 delegation bringing the Olympic torch to the UK, believes appointing Neville is a wise move by Hodgson.

“I think it’s great, Gary has knowledge throughout the game,” Beckham said.

“He’s been in big tournaments (and) he’s played for England for many years.

“Gary has always been very vocal about many things.

“He’s had the experience of being through tournaments and being disappointed in tournaments and knowing what he thinks have been the problems – that’s why it’s a clever move and great for the team.”

Beckham believes the combination of Hodgson, who was only named England manager at the start of May, and Neville on the bench could be the difference for England as they attempt to win the European Championships for the first time.

“To have someone with his knowledge as well as Roy’s knowledge – it’s a very clever thing to do, I wish Gary the best of luck,” Beckham said.

“I hope we can go all the way – that has obviously always been our main objective in every competition that we have gone in to.

“You do not go in to a competition thinking ‘let’s see if we can make the quarters and see what happens’.

“You always go in thinking you can go all the way.

“Whether it happens – which obviously it has not happened in the last quite few years – that always remains the objective.”