In a recent development, BBC pundit Gary Lineker has suggested that Frank Lampard could be the ideal candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after Euro 2024. This speculation comes amidst discussions about Lampard's 'unlucky' managerial career.
Lineker made this suggestion while conversing with Micah Richards on their podcast, 'Rest is Football'. The conversation followed Richards' praise of Lampard's analysis of England's penalty shootout victory over Switzerland. Both Richards and Lampard were working as pundits for the BBC during the game.
Lineker responded to Richard's comments by stating, "There's no question about that. I think he's been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. He gets it tactically."
BBC pundit, Gary Lineker, said:
"I think this will be Gareth Southgate's last tournament whatever happens. If he wins I think he'll absolutely bow out and if he doesn't then I think he'll bow out. It will be his decision. But, I wouldn't disregard Frank Lampard [as Southgate's replacement]. I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.
"Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here but if you're going to go English you think who else? Eddie Howe maybe?"
Lampard hasn't achieved big in his coaching career
Lampard has had an interesting journey in his managerial career so far. Most recently, he served as caretaker manager of Chelsea between April and June 2023. This was his second stint with the Blues but proved less successful than his first tenure - winning just one out of eleven games in charge.
Prior to Chelsea, he spent a year as Everton manager where he successfully kept them up in his first season before being dismissed in January 2023.
Speculations about future opportunities
Recently there were rumors linking him with a return to management after being tipped to take over from Vincent Kompany at Burnley FC. However, Burnley opted for Scott Parker instead - former Bournemouth and Fulham manager who was announced as Burnley boss last week.
While Lineker’s endorsement adds weightage to speculations about Frank taking over from Southgate post-Euro 2024, nothing can be said with certainty until official announcements are made. For now, sports fans and betting enthusiasts can only wait and watch as the future of English football unfolds.
Lampard's tactical acumen and experience in managing top-flight clubs make him a strong contender for the England manager role. However, his 'unlucky' managerial career so far might be a point of concern for some. Regardless, his potential appointment could bring about an exciting new chapter in English football.
