Gary Neville will be a key figure if England are to impress at Euro 2012, with Roy Hodgson’s men 10/1 with bookmaker to claim the title in Poland and Ukraine.
The former Manchester United defender will be a member of Hodgson’s backroom staff for the tournament and Neville’s younger brother Phil has backed his sibling to make his mark.
The Everton midfielder said: “I know what Gary will do for the squad. I think it was a masterstroke from Roy Hodgson.
“He is well respected. His biggest strength will be his honesty. Whatever he says on TV he would be prepared to say to a player’s face in the changing room.”
England have been drawn in Group D for the finals, where they will face France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine, while their path to the latter stages appears to be tough.
In the last eight, if they qualify, they will take on either the winners or the runners-up from Group C, which features holders Spain, Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.