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Updated Thursday July 13, 2000, 9:59 PM GMT Philip Neville
Despite having failed to win a regular place at Old Trafford, where Denis Irwin is still first-choice left-back, the younger of the Neville brothers is one of only two players - Alan Shearer is the other - who have so far featured in every single game under Keegan. Partly because of his versatility, he has already won 25 caps despite only turning 23 in January. Although right-footed, he can operate on either flank and it is as a left-back that Keegan is probably most likely to use him at Euro 2000 in the absence of Graeme Le Saux. Neville was deeply upset at missing out on the final squad for the 1998 World Cup, having to be comforted by his brother Gary, who did make the 22-man party. The best of England's defenders in the opener against Portugal, Neville's high work-rate meant that the problems of the left-side were forgotten as attacking midfielders went AWOL leaving gaping space for Figo and Joao Pinto to exploit. Followed with another strong showing against Germany. Made some promising attacking forays down the wing and played in some decent crosses. Will be remembered for the nieve challenge to give away the last minute penalty that sent Romania through to the quarter-finals at the expense of England.
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