Pundit reacts as Frank Lampard linked with Everton exit amid ‘massive’ turnaround job

A pundit has given his verdict after Frank Lampard was tipped to leave Everton and take over from Gareth Southgate at England.

Southgate is under pressure following England’s 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday. That took the Three Lions’ winless run to five matches, the first time this has happened since 2014 and the reign of Roy Hodgson.

Southgate has credit in the bank after taking England to the World Cup semis in 2018. He also guided them to the European Championship final last year, when England came incredibly close to ending their trophy drought.

However, patience is wearing thin among England supporters. They failed to score for the third successive game against Italy, which hasn’t occurred since 2000. And after the defeat at the San Siro, Southgate was booed by England fans when going over to clap them.

The former defender admits his job is not 100 per cent secure. Ahead of the match against Germany tonight, he said: “I am not foolish. My sole focus at the moment is to get the team right for tomorrow. Then we are focusing on a good performance and a good result. I know ultimately I will be judged on what happens at that World Cup.

“Contracts are irrelevant in football because managers can have three, four, five‑year contracts and you accept that, if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.

“Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think that my contract is going to protect me in any way.

“We understand how the mood changes with the results and [it] has changed. I am realistic about that. I will be judged on what we do in Qatar and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.

“History is history and you are judged on the next match and the next tournament.”

Frank Lampard could become FA target

According to ESPN, Everton boss Lampard and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard could come into the frame to replace Southgate. This is because the FA generally likes to appoint English coaches.

The top man for the job seemed to be Graham Potter, who guided Brighton to ninth in the Premier League last season.

But he is now at Chelsea and has a five-year contract with the Blues. And that has put Lampard and Gerrard on a list of potential England bosses, even if they are still relatively new to managing.

Noel Whelan has given his opinion on the Lampard links. He reckons the former Chelsea star should prioritise Everton over England as he still has a ‘massive job’ to do at Goodison Park.

“I think he’s got to concentrate on his Everton project,” Whelan said during an interview with Football Insider.

“Frank will realise that he’s still got a massive job on his hands at Everton. He’s still rebuilding and finding his feet – and there’s a lot he still needs to do.

Manager urged to stay at Everton

“When he does a better job, and starts climbing up that league, he might throw his hat into the ring.

“But he’s still new to management. It’s the same with Steven Gerrard. He’s done well at Rangers but has he done enough?

“I think he’ll want to do a good job at Everton – and that will be first and foremost in his thinking right now.”

Whelan is right – it is very unlikely Lampard will quit Everton so soon and go after the England position.

The Toffees came 16th in the Prem last term and Lampard’s main aim is to take them back up the table, towards the top 10.

They have had a troublesome start, winning just one out of their seven league matches so far. But Lampard has the backing of the fans, something predecessor Rafa Benitez struggled with.

Lampard should certainly focus on getting Everton back to their best right now. Then, if he excels in the hot seat, he can pursue the England job in the future.

Meanwhile, Southgate has surprisingly left a big name out of the England squad to face Germany.