Agbonlahor issues verdict on Frank Lampard quitting Everton after new reveal
It is too soon for Frank Lampard to think about quitting Everton to become the new England manager, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker suggested the FA may be forced to keep Gareth Southgate if the World Cup campaign is not disastrous due to a lack of alternatives.
The London Evening Standard reported on Wednesday (28 August) that they are monitoring both Lampard and Steven Gerrard as Southgate comes under increasing pressure.
The 52-year-old relieved some of the tension on Monday (26 August) as England launched a late comeback to earn a creditable 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League.
Asked whether he could see Lampard replacing Southgate imminently, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I can’t, to be honest.
“I don’t think Lampard and Gerrard have done enough yet to warrant the England job. They are still new to management.
“I’m sure it’s a job they are maybe looking at in the future, not quite yet.
“They will be enjoying being club managers day-to-day, being new managers.
“I think it’s too soon for them to go to England, to be honest.
“It might be a case of, as long as Southgate doesn’t get knocked out in the first knock-out stages they might still keep him.
“It’s hard because I don’t see that Gerrard or Lampard are ready, to be honest.”
Lampard has been the Everton manager since the end of January and guided the club to Premier League safety last season.
The 44-year-old has a contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2024.
In other news, Everton have told a star who played their last game to find a new club.