Pundit can’t believe Frank Lampard could quit Everton amid ‘massive’ new claim
Noel Whelan has claimed Everton boss Frank Lampard won’t be thinking about taking the England job despite speculation surrounding Gareth Southgate’s future in the role.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the “rebuild” at Goodison Park will be “first and foremost” in the 44-year-old’s mind.
Speaking before England’s Nations League meeting with Germany on Monday (26 September) and quoted by Sky Sports, manager Gareth Southgate admitted that he knows he will be judged on the Three Lions’ performance at the World Cup.
He claimed that “contracts are irrelevant” despite having a deal which runs until December 2024.
Lampard, who has been Everton boss since January, has been tipped for the role due to the FA’s ‘English-first’ approach to appointments.
He steered the Toffees away from relegation last season and has the Merseysiders sitting 13th in the Premier League after seven games of the new campaign.
Whelan insisted the ex-midfielder may consider a move to international management once he gains more experience.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s got to concentrate on his Everton project.
“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.
“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.”
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Dominic Calvert-Lewin claim as “worrying” Everton images emerge.