---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Gary Neville said he thought it was a…"
description: "\"Gary Neville said he thought it was a waste of time playing for England because he has not won anything. I kind of understand where he is coming from. ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5de/ashley-cole-9160_anything_gary-neville-said-he-thought-it-was-a-wa_1828695.jpg"
---

#  Gary Neville said he thought it was a waste of time…

![“Gary Neville said he thought it was a waste of time playing for England because he has not won anything. I kind of understand where he is coming from. But the players we have here, a lot of them have won things and have the attitude that we need to win.” quote by Ashley Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5de/ashley-cole-9160_anything_gary-neville-said-he-thought-it-was-a-wa_1828695.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5de/ashley-cole-9160_anything_gary-neville-said-he-thought-it-was-a-wa_1828695.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5de/ashley-cole-9160_anything_gary-neville-said-he-thought-it-was-a-wa_1828695.jpg)

> “Gary Neville said he thought it was a waste of time playing for England because he has not won anything. I kind of understand where he is coming from. But the players we have here, a lot of them have won things and have the attitude that we need to win.”

[Ashley Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashley-cole/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A former player criticizes playing for England as pointless, yet acknowledges current players' winning mindset.

**In simple terms:** He doubts England's value but sees players' ambition.

Key Takeaway

Recognize past criticisms while supporting current drive.

Themes

sports critique mindset

Mood

reflective critical

Type

inspirational analytical

When to use this quote

- national team selection
- player morale
- public statements

Key Concepts

team dynamics legacy motivation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can past failures inform future success?
- What role does mindset play in team performance?

A Different Perspective

Criticism may overlook systemic issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Waste of time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/waste-of-time/) [Win](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/win/)

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[Kyle Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kyle-walker/)

> [I'm not a Gary Neville or a Jamie Carragher, or somebody who doesn't need to do their apprenticeship in the media and can go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robbie-savage/i-m-not-a-gary-neville-or-a-jamie-carragher-or-somebody-who-doesn-t/)

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> [No, no, Gary Neville was a fantastic full back. He would genuinely get to the by-line. He played without fear. He was a leader.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cafu/no-no-gary-neville-was-a-fantastic-full-back-he-would-genuinely-get/)

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## More by Ashley Cole

> [I'm not a goalscorer. It's not my job. Everyone always tells me I've never scored. I don't think I've had a shot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashley-cole/i-m-not-a-goalscorer-it-s-not-my-job-everyone-always-tells-me-i-ve/)

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> [I do not fear the pressure to win because I spent 14 years in England always fighting for a starting spot, and that's what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashley-cole/i-do-not-fear-the-pressure-to-win-because-i-spent-14-years-in-england/)

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[Explore all 75 Ashley Cole quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashley-cole/)

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