'I like that' - Paul Merson already told England to appoint Chelsea and Everton flop as shortlist emerges

Former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Frank Lampard are both frontrunners to land the role as new England manager despite interim manager Lee Carsley securing back-to-back victories over the international break.

The Three Lions beat Ireland and Finland both by a scoreline of 2-0 as Carsley continues his audition as England manager following Gareth Southgate's departure this summer.

Despite a promising start to life in charge of the side, The Telegraph today reports that the FA has spoken with other managers about the position and the footballing body 'is keen to explore all options before making a final decision'.

The report adds that the FA has spoken to a 'wide variety' of managers but has not made a shortlist of candidates public. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is believed to be one of those names with prolific Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola the 'dream appointment'.

Potter and Lampard are also named as frontrunners, despite Carsley remaining favourite to be offered the job on a permanent position. The former Chelsea men are both currently out of work.

Potter, who took up the post at Stamford Bridge from Brighton in 2022, has not worked in management since being sacked by the Blues in April 2023. The 49-year-old finished his tenure at Chelsea having won just 12 of his 31 matches in charge, lasting just seven months and leaving the side 11th in the Premier League.

Lampard has also not worked as a manager since his departure from Chelsea. The former midfielder worked as caretaker manager at Stamford Bridge following Potter's dismissal but won just one of those 11 fixtures and was not offered the job permanently for a second time - he had previously been Chelsea manager between July 2019 and January 2021.

The Premier League legend had a similarly torrid time at Goodison Park when in charge of Everton between January 2022 and January 2023. Lasting just 12 months, Lampard took over at Everton with the club in 16th place but finished that campaign in 17th. When dismissed the following January, the Toffees sat in 19th, only above Southampton on goal difference.

Speaking in July, Paul Merson was a strong advocate for Lampard to be appointed as Southgate's permanent successor. He told Football's Greatest Pod: "Frank Lampard played the tournaments, lived the tournaments, lived international football. It's a big advantage. He's been to tournaments, deep in tournaments, been as really fancied and failed miserably, big experience that is.

"I think he ticks every box. Eddie Howe and Graham Potter never played for their country. It's hard to sit there and say to someone, 'You've got to be feeling like this or this'. I'd go Frank Lampard. I like that one."