Gary Lineker has named his next England manager to replace Gareth Southgate

Gary Lineker has surprisingly thrown his support behind Frank Lampard as the next England manager, following Gareth Southgate's confirmation of stepping down post- Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

The Match of the Day presenter was among several pundits who criticised England's conservative approach in Germany, despite making it to the final. During the tournament, Lineker suggested on The Rest Is Football podcast that Lampard should be considered for the role.

Lampard, currently without a managerial post since his interim stint at Chelsea ended in the 2022/23 season, had previously collaborated with Southgate and the national squad before the Euros. Lineker predicted Southgate's departure, saying, "This will be Gareth Southgate's last tournament," and added, "I think, 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'll be his decision."

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He continued to advocate for Lampard, stating, "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. If you're going to go English, you go... who else? Eddie Howe? Eddie Howe, possibly?"

Lineker also expressed his belief in Lampard's tactical understanding: "I think he's (Lampard) been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. I think he gets it tactically." Micah Richards, co-hosting the podcast with Lineker, shared the enthusiasm for Lampard taking the reins of the national team, having been impressed by his analysis during Euro 2024 on the BBC.

The Manchester City legend discussed his analytical tendencies, saying: "Frank's analysis was about three minutes. And, normally, if someone goes that deep, after maybe two minutes, you've lost interest. But I was glued to it for three minutes. And you can tell he's just got something."

"He's articulate. The way he explains points. You can tell there's a manager there inside of him. I've really enjoyed working with him." Lineker, in approval, added: "That three minutes Frank did was amazing."

Fast-forwarding to this year, Lampard revealed his active pursuit for a managerial comeback. Amidst rumours linking him to the Burnley vacancy left by Vincent Kompany, who departed for Bayern Munich, Scott Parker emerged as the chosen one to boost their hopes for a Premier League return.

Liverpool.com says : Frank Lampard would, for sure, be a surprising appointment for England. All the signs are pointing towards an English successor to Gareth Southgate, which could be good news for Liverpool fans who desperately don't want to see Jurgen Klopp take the role.

The German is set to take a lengthy break from the dugout after leaving Anfield earlier this year, despite being linked with the top job at Wembley.