Gareth Southgate makes England decision as Everton boss Frank Lampard emerges in frame for job
If Gareth Southgate decides to step down as England manager, Everton boss Frank Lampard is on the list of possible replacements, according to The Telegraph.
England fell short of international glory again this year, crashing out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals to France. Following the loss, the FA are still awaiting an answer from Southgate on whether he plans to continue as the manager of the Three Lions.
Southgate has been in charge of England since 2016 and has a contract that runs until 2024, but the 52-year-old is considering his options over the Christmas break.
As reported by The Telegraph, “Gareth Southgate is not expected to announce whether or not he will stay on as England manager before the New Year.
“The Football Association is bracing itself for news on Southgate’s future.”
Later in the report, Everton boss Lampard is mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Southgate: “There is no set succession plan in place in case Southgate quits, but the FA has been forced to now consider all possible scenarios.
“Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers is another potential candidate to succeed Southgate, while his assistant Steve Holland could enter the frame along with two former England midfielders, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.”
Unlikely
While Lampard is doing okay at Everton, he’s hardly set the world alight and his performances won’t have caught the eye of England higher-ups.
He’ll go down as an England legend for his performances on the pitch, but he still has plenty to learn on the sidelines before taking a major international job.
Most Evertonians will admit that Lampard still has plenty to learn before he can even take the Toffees to the next step. His inexperience often shows through in tactical and personnel choices.
There’s no doubt that Lampard would probably snap up any England opportunity handed to him, but as of now, he’s taking a part in the Everton rebuild, where he is crucial to the club’s plans.
Should he stick to the task at Goodison Park and help climb Everton back up to the top half of the table, then the rumours of an England appointment may start to hold more weight.