England's four-man managerial shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate has now reportedly been revealed, and there are some surprise names.
The Three Lions were recently in action, picking up 2-0 victories against both Ireland and Finland in their opening 2024/25 UEFA Nations League encounters under the leadership of interim manager Lee Carsley.
Read: Wydad star 'rejects' move to prove himself to Rulani
The 50-year-old took charge on a temporary basis after Southgate parted ways with the national side following their loss to Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Championship in July.
Despite Carsley making an impressive start to life as England manager, the FA have drawn up a shortlist of four candidates who could take charge of the side on a permanent basis, according to The Telegraph.
It is claimed Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard are on the FA's radar, while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is believed to be the governing body's dream appointment.
It is further suggested that the FA has spoken to various candidates, and are believed to be keen on keeping their options open over the coming months.
While Guardiola may be considered the association's dream choice for their next manager with his contract with Manchester City set to expire at the end of the current club campaign, it is understood he would be an "unlikely" option to take over.
Howe, meanwhile, is currently under contract at Newcastle United after signing a "long-term" extension with the club in 2022.
Lampard and Potter are both available, with the latter having not been in a managerial role since parting ways with Chelsea in April last year.
He was replaced by Lampard, who took over as caretaker manager of the Blues until June 2023. The former Everton coach has also been without a club since leaving the London outfit, though.
Carsley, however, is also said to be in the frame to permanently succeed Gareth Southgate, but the FA is believed to be eager look into all of their options before making a final decision.
The interim head coach has four more games in charge, with all those matches being Nations League encounters as the 50-year-old looks to lead the side out of the group stage and into the next round of the continental tournament.
Read: Ex-club owner: I should've bought a boat instead of this player
The FA, meanwhile, is reportedly looking to appoint a permanent manager before the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.