Sports/Olympics / Off the Pitch

Prince William wishes Sven luck
(news24.com)
Updated: 2006-06-02 10:05

Gary Neville skipped training on Thursday but the Manchester United defender is still hopeful of gaining his 80th cap in England's final World Cup warm-up against Jamaica on Saturday.

Neville was the only absentee aside from Wayne Rooney as Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad were paid a visit by Prince William, a keen Aston Villa supporter and president of the Football Association.

Eriksson gave Neville the day off as he is anxious not to put the back's hamstring under unnecessary strain because he is the only specialist right-back in the squad.

The experienced Manchester United defender remained confident of turning out against Jamaica at Old Trafford.

He came off at half-time during England's 3-1 win against Hungary on Tuesday.

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher replaced him at right-back for the second half of that friendly and would likely step into that position if Eriksson decided not to gamble on Neville.

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves also has experience at right-back.

Prince William, second in line to the British throne, is due to attend England's first World Cup game against Paraguay on June 10.