England booked their place in the last four of the European Championships over the weekend, and had a Chelsea man to thank for his part in it all.
Cole Palmer got their penalty shootout victory off to the perfect start, and his teammates followed in style as they set up a fixture with the Netherlands.
Gareth Southgate has not escaped criticism despite the deep run though. His treatment of Palmer has been something that many have called to be addressed.
With the likelihood being the manager steps down after this tournament, Gary Lineker has called for a Chelsea legend to be given the opportunity to take the reigns of the national team.
He said on ‘The Rest is Football’: “This will be Gareth Southgate’s last tournament, I think, whatever happens. If he wins, I think he’ll absolutely bow out.
Lineker calls for Frank Lampard as next England manager
“And if he doesn’t then I think he’ll bow out. It’ll be his decision. But I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard. I think he tactically gets it. I think the players will respect him immediately. I’m getting ahead of things here.
“I think he’s been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. I think he gets it tactically.”
Lampard’s first spell at Stamford Bridge was certainly a lot more successful than when he was brought in to replace Graham Potter on a temporary basis, however there’s no doubt he was dealt a tough hand that time around.
The club legend stated earlier this year that he was still in contact with Reece James regularly despite not managing the club anymore.
This could well be big for his national team prospects if he was handed the job, with James suffering with both injuries and the plethora of talent available in that position at this time.
Lampard is yet to return to management since he left the Blues for the second time around, with him reportedly being considered for a number of jobs so far.
Another figure who could no doubt be under consideration is former Chelsea man Graham Potter, who is also yet to return to the game since he left Chelsea.
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