But Neville was surprised that Fabio Capello did not choose to include United team-mate Wes Brown in his squad.
“I wouldn’t say I’m overly disappointed not to be named in Fabio Capello’s initial 30-man England World Cup squad, because although I did think there was maybe a chance I could get in, I was under no illusions how tough it would be after not being named in the squad for a year,” he told the Times of Malta.
“I’m slightly surprised in some ways that there is only one right-back in the entire squad, but I’m probably more surprised Wes Brown isn’t in the 30, to be honest.
“Capello spoke to Paul Scholes to try and bring him back into the England squad, but Scholes retired a good few years ago from international football and he’s not the type to go back on that.
“I’m not surprised Capello tried to get him out of retirement because if there is one player I would try and pull out of retirement it is Scholes.
“Capello maybe got a bit desperate at the last minute and wanted Scholes because he is still probably the best midfielder in England, but Scholes decided to stick to his guns.”
