This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
England manager Phil Neville has taken issue with the United States Soccer Federation over a breach of etiquette ahead of the women's World Cup semi-final. The incident occurred on Sunday when American team staff visited the England hotel while Neville's side were training.
According to reports, the US team's aim was to assess the venue as possible accommodation if they beat England and reach the final. However, Neville has stated that this move was not something he would have condoned.
“The only thing I would say is it’s not something I’d want my team doing. It’s not something that England would do,” Neville told a news conference.
Normal etiquette in tournament football is for the two teams to stay in separate accommodation, and it is highly unusual for officials to step inside the opposition’s hotel. Neville suggested that his US counterpart, Jill Ellis, would not have approved of the move.
However, Ellis had earlier defended the move, stating that it was simply prudent planning. “You have to plan ahead. Arrogance has nothing to do with us, that’s planning preparation for our staff. I think that’s pretty normal,” she said.
Former Manchester United player Neville said the issue was mainly one of etiquette, and that it had no bearing on the game.
