LONDON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- England women's football team manager Phil Neville has stepped down, confirmed the Football Association on Monday.
Neville, 43, was appointed as England women's head coach in January 2018, steering the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2019 World Cup.
The former England international announced last April that he would leave the role in July 2021. Consequently, the FA confirmed four months later that current Netherlands women's manager Sarina Wiegman would replace Neville in September 2021.
It is believed that Neville will take charge of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami with his former England teammate David Beckham as one of the club's owners.
"His decision to leave now means we will shortly confirm the name of an interim head coach," said the FA in a statement released on Monday.
"It has been an honor to manage England, and I have enjoyed three of the best years of my career with The FA and the Lionesses," said Neville. "The players who wear the England shirt are some of the most talented and dedicated athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with. They have challenged me and improved me as a coach, and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared."
Sue Campbell, the FA's director of women's football, paid tribute to Neville's contribution. "After steadying the ship at a challenging period, he helped us to win the SheBelieves Cup for the first time, reach the World Cup semifinals and qualify for the Olympics. Given his status as a former Manchester United and England player, he did much to raise the profile of our team." Enditem