Draw won't do - Neville

Gary Neville insists England will be positive against Montenegro
13 March 2013

Gary Neville insists England will not adopt the Italian mentality of grinding out a draw when they head to Montenegro later this month.

Although they presently trail Montenegro in Group H, a draw would represent a positive return given the fixtures which remain. But speaking on his return to old club Bury Juniors FC as part of the FA Community Awards 2013 presented by McDonald's, nominations for which can now be made at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart, Neville ruled that attitude out.

"I have never looked at any game, either for Manchester United or England, and said I will play for a draw - and I never will," said Neville, who was appointed as Hodgson's assistant prior to Euro 2012.

Manager Roy Hodgson is due to unveil his squad on Thursday for a World Cup double-header with San Marino and Montenegro, which will do so much to shape England's hopes of reaching Brazil.

The major focus will be on whether Rio Ferdinand gets a recall given Phil Jagielka has been ruled out with an ankle injury, Joleon Lescott has started just one game of the last four for Manchester City, Chris Smalling was reduced to Under-21 duty at Manchester United on Monday and Gary Cahill has been struggling for form at Chelsea.

It would represent a major climbdown for Hodgson to select Ferdinand, having continually given the impression he wanted to "move on" from the 34-year-old.

Nevertheless, the obvious alternatives, Tottenham duo Michael Dawson and Steven Caulker, lack Ferdinand's experience, which could be vital in Podgorica against a dangerous Montenegro outfit that represent the greatest danger to England's hopes of automatic qualification.

Neville added: "That is not the English mentality. We are not Italians, who can grind things out and be cagey for an entire game.

"We want to be on the front foot. Our mentality must always be to try and win."

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