C&K Basildon Ladies boss Steve Tilson has questioned the appointment of Phil Neville as manager of the England women’s international side.

Neville was unveiled as Mark Sampson’s successor, following a brief stint with Mo Marley in interim charge of the Lionesses, last month.

And Tilson says that others who applied for the top job may have reservations about Neville being selected as the new boss.

The former Southend United chief said: “My only concern - and disappointment for the other people that went for the job - is that he has never managed women.

“Managing women is a big difference to what he may have experienced in the past during his football career and I think his lack of experience within the women’s game may have disappointed people.

“But that is the decision the FA have made and it’s their choice as to who they think is the right person for the job.

“He was a top player during his career and you can’t knock what he has done in football.

“Being named the new manager of the England women’s international team is a big thing and I hope he does well.”

Neville won 59 caps for his country, while he also enjoyed lengthy spells with Manchester United and Everton before hanging up his boots in 2013.

And the 41-year-old has taken the biggest job in English women’s football having gained experience in the dugout.

Neville was named first team coach of Manchester United just months after his retirement, while the ex-defensive midfielder was also caretaker manager of Salford City for one non-league clash - alongside fellow shareholder Paul Scholes - before becoming assistant manager at Valencia.

Neville is now preparing his squad for the SheBelieves Cup, which gets underway tomorrow, and he has added the Basildon-born Casey Stoney to his coaching staff.

Stoney retired last week, having won 130 England caps during an 18 year international career.

And Tilson believes Stoney was a wise appointment by Neville.

Tilson added: “Without a doubt, Casey is a good appointment.

“She has been in and around the squad for a long time and I’m sure she will be a big help to Phil.”