Lampard backed to succeed Southgate as England manager

A former Chelsea man has made the case for the Blues legend taking over the Three Lions’ managerial reins after the next World Cup.

Frank Lampard should succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager despite the idea sounding “ridiculous”, according to ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy.

Southgate was showered with praise by fans and pundits alike as a resolute England made their way to the Euro 2020 final.

However, the praises quickly turned into criticism and fault-finding comments after Southgate’s men were unable to get the job done.

Despite the disappointment, the 50-year-old is expected to remain in charge of the Three Lions until at least the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“Right now, Southgate is the only man for the job. But if there is a change of manager after the World Cup and Frank is available,” Cundy said on talkSPORT.

“Bearing in mind what he did with those young players at Chelsea – don’t forget his record with young players is pretty good.

Reminded by his co-host Andy Goldstein that Lampard did not do a particularly great job at Chelsea, Cundy responded: “Southgate got Middlesbrough relegated, what does that prove?

“I’m saying in terms of what Frank has done as a manager in his infant years, it’s not as ridiculous as it sounds.

“Southgate hadn’t done anything as a manager [before England]. Being an international manager is very different from club football. Southgate has proven that, Joachim Low has proven that.”