Despite his youthful appearance, Neville has accumulated nearly 40 caps and can play both at right-back and centre-half.

A key member of Manchester United's treble winning team, he has developed a great understanding with David Beckham down the right hand side at Old Trafford, and this will do his chances of making the first 11 no harm at all.

Neville, whose brother Phil is also an England regular, made his international debut against Japan and looks likely to bolster his blossoming reputation in the finals.