LAURA BASSETT is encouraged by the start Phil Neville has made as England head coach but said today she is not putting any undue pressure on herself to join the fold.

Neville’s appointment in January divided opinion as he had no previous coaching experience in the women’s game, although he did have time on the staff at Manchester United and Valencia.

But the former England, United and Everton player guided his charges to second place — their best-ever finish — in the SheBelieves Cup in March and they remain well placed to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Bassett, who is yet to play under Neville, said: “It’s going to take time for Phil to embed the way he wants to play and his philosophies.

“Certainly they showed that they can compete at the SheBelieves Cup with those top nations [Germany, France and the United States] and they really are top nations, so it was really positive.

“I think he’s had a great start. He’s brought a lot of media attention for women’s football, which we always strive for.

“He’s been really complimentary of female players and the way they absorb information and always want to learn and improve their game. That’s brilliant. It’s worked well at the start and long may that continue.”

Bassett’s last involvement with the Lionesses was as an unused substitute in the World Cup qualifying win over Russia last September.

The 34-year-old revealed she has been in contact with Neville as she weighs up her next move, having spent the past few months in Australia’s W-League with Canberra United.

The former Arsenal, Leeds, Birmingham and Chelsea defender may return to the Women’s Super League and has refused to rule out another spell abroad.