England FA identifies Chelsea legend as a potential future manager despite Lee Carsley's strong start to interim stint - Reports

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has been identified as a possible future manager for England, according to The Telegraph. Lee Carsley was handed the charge of the senior side following Gareth Southgate's exit after Euro 2024.

Former England Under-21 manager Carsley has enjoyed an impressive start to his new position, registering wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland. The Three Lions won both games with a 2-0 scoreline and the Englishman could also be considered for the full-time job.

Carsley's interim tenure runs until November and the FA is keeping their options open for the permanent role. There have reportedly been talks with multiple candidates for the job, including Lampard.

The former Blues midfielder is part of a four-man shortlist that includes Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe. Guardiola is the FA's dream candidate, and his contract with Manchester City expires next summer.

However, he is an unlikely option for the job, and prising him away from the Etihad could be next to impossible. Potter, meanwhile, is available for the position after parting ways with Chelsea in April 2023.

While his time at Stamford Bridge didn't go according to plans, the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager remains a stellar choice for the job. Elsewhere, Howe remains settled with Newcastle United and hinted over the summer that he might not be interested in the England job.

Jurgen Klopp was also an option following his departure from Liverpool but the German wants to take a year-long sabbatical. Mauricio Pochettino, previously on the FA's wish list, has already taken charge of the US Men's team.

Should Chelsea have been patient with Lampard?

Lampard has been without a managerial job since ending his second stint with Chelsea in May 2023. The 46-year-old first took charge of the London giants in the summer of 2019. The Blues were impressed by his run with Derby County, where he registered a 42.1% win ratio.

Lampard enjoyed a good start with Chelsea, who finished fourth in the Premier League in his first season in charge. However, the Englishman struggled in his second campaign and lost his job by January 2021.

After a brief stint with Everton, Lampard was back in London last season, taking charge as a caretaker manager after the Blues opted to part ways with Graham Potter.

His second tenure with Chelsea ended in May last year and the club subsequently opted to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager. The Argentinian was ultimately replaced by Enzo Maresca this summer.