Phil Neville says leading England out at Wembley Stadium will be the proudest moment of his career.
The Lionesses head coach is preparing to welcome two-time world champions Germany to a sold-out national stadium on Saturday 9 November.
Neville enjoyed a distinguished playing career, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United as well as earning 59 caps for England.
But sitting in the Wembley dugout while his players perform on the hallowed turf will surpass everything.
Neville said: “Managing this England team at Wembley will be one of the proudest moments of my career.
“To lead these players out of the tunnel will top anything I achieved in my playing career.
“I’ve been to Wembley so many times and I’ve always looked down at the technical area and wondered what it would be like to have your team out on the pitch.
“Well now I’ve got the chance and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Neville played at Wembley for England 15 times including his last cap, against Estonia in October 2007.
He won two FA Cup Finals under the famous arch, in 1996 and 1999, and then captained Everton when they lost to Chelsea in the 2009 edition.
“Every time I played at Wembley those matches were among the greatest moments of my career,” he said.
“When you grow up to be a footballer, the first thing you want to do is play for England. The second thing you want to do is to play at Wembley.
“When players walk out of the tunnel you see their eyes light up. It’s the most iconic stadium in the world.”
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With all tickets having been sold for the November blockbuster, England are threatening to set a new attendance record for a women’s match in the UK which currently stands at 80,023, the crowd at the gold medal match at London 2012.
Neville added: “This is our biggest game: a game at the home of football.
“We wanted the stadium to be full and it will be full. Fans will be supporting us in their thousands.
“I hope we can make it an occasion, and a result, for them to savour.”
