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ENGLAND v MACEDONIA - FEAR OF FAILURE DRIVES NEVILLE ON
England defender Gary Neville admits he will be frustrated if he never plays in a successful national team.
The Manchester United player has won 82 caps for England and should extend that to 84 after the Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia over the next six days.
He would like a century of caps but said: "It depends on a few things, my form first and foremost, and whether the manager selects me on that form.
"Caps are a great honour but I want to be part of a successful England team and that is something that will frustrate me if that never comes.
"We've taken a lot of hits over the past few years. We've fallen short in tournaments I've been involved in.
"I believe we can win something. There's no point being here if don't think so."
The 31-year-old full-back could be asked to play a central defensive role tomorrow against Macedonia at Old Trafford, with England head coach Steve McClaren considering lining his team up in a 3-5-2 formation.
"We worked on it earlier on in the week. I don't think the boss has hidden the fact he wants to be flexible and have an alternative system.
"It is something that you have to be able to do."
Neville insists the players must be "prepared to be flexible and have a Plan B if your Plan A isn't working".
He dismissed talk of a get-together of players to discuss the possible tactical change, adding: "We haven't had any meetings to discuss any formations."
Neville is in his 12th year as an England international, and said at a press conference screened by Sky Sports News: "I hope we're going to be progressing all the time. We're a young group of players, apart from me.
"We are a young squad and we have to progress. If we don't progress there's something wrong.
"I look at the speed and enthusiasm of all the young players and obviously I'm a lot older than some of them but it inspires me, makes me want to get to that level.
"You have always got to be willing to learn from other players.
"It makes you want to continue playing for England."
Neville is enjoying working with McClaren and his assistant Terry Venables, who was England coach at Euro 96.
Neville added on Sky Sports News: "I believe we have got two of the best coaches you could have.
"The new manager is a great coach in his own right, and I think he has made a very good move in bringing him [Venables] in.
"It is a move that has gone down well with the squad. I played under him 10 years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed my time."
Neville is also looking forward to playing at his club ground, Old Trafford, again for his country.
He said: "It is a fantastic stadium - anybody who has been here knows it is one of the best in the world, if not the best.
"The fact you can get 75,000 here now makes for a great atmosphere. People will look forward to when Wembley is done, but it is a great honour to play at your own ground for your country."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
ENGLAND v MACEDONIA MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
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