Phil Neville harboured genuine ambitions of succeeding Gareth Southgate before his reign as England Women’s manager began to unravel.
The former Manchester United player is set to leave his post when his contract expires next summer.
He had planned to lead Team GB at this year’s now postponed Olympics before planning his next move.
And the prospect of potentially taking over from Southgate as England Men's boss had been a consideration after seeing his reputation soar as a result of leading the Lionesses to the semi-finals of last year’s Women’s World Cup.
With the Euros seen as another opportunity for Southgate to see his own stock rise, there was the chance of the England manager attracting interest from top clubs if he impressed at another major tournament after reaching the last four at the World Cup in Russia.
Neville sits alongside Southgate at high-level FA meetings and was well-regarded for the work he’d done since taking up his position in 2018.
Had he managed to build on the World Cup and win a medal at the Tokyo Games, the feeling was he could strengthen his credentials as a candidate if Southgate walked away.
He even rejected the chance to work in MLS in America to remain within the FA structure, which served Southgate so well when he found himself in pole position to succeed Sam Allardyce in 2016.
But Neville’s ambitions have been severely dented by England’s alarming slump since the World Cup.
His side have lost seven of their last 11 games and endured a miserable showing at the recent She Believes Cup, which saw them suffer defeats to the USA and Spain.
The FA are expected to confirm Neville will be leaving his post, which should also offer clarity over the rescheduled Olympics and whether the 43-year-old will stay on to lead Team GB next summer.
