England U21 manager Gareth Southgate has reportedly rejected the chance to take over the role of England manager in the wake of Roy Hodgson's resignation.
England's defeat to Iceland on Monday night, which sent them crashing out of the Euros, has lead to much soul searching in the FA, as they once again look to overhaul a system that has seen them fail to progress in a knockout match at a major tournament.
With the managerial position now vacant, they turned to Gareth Southgate as a replacement, at least on an interim basis, but it seems that the former Middlesborough man has decided that the job is not for him.
Southgate came into the frame thanks to his work with the England U21s, and their recent victory at the Tournoi Toulon, with FA chief executive Martin Glenn calling him the "obvious" choice to step into the breach for the post-Hodgson era.
However, according to The Telegraph, Southgate is believed to have "serious misgivings" about whether or not it would be the right thing for him to do at this stage of his career, and has decided not to take up the offer.
Whoever the replacement is will have a tough job on their hands, given that Glenn further noted in the press conference on Tuesday that "when it comes down to the games that matter, we haven't delivered. That's not just a recent thing, that's been a 50-year thing."
In an effort to solve that problem and move forward, they've reportedly decided to ask former manager Glenn Hoddle to return to the job, at least until they find a more long-term solution.
Hoddle, who has not managed since his last job with Wolves in 2006, had to resign in disgrace in 1999 after his comments about disabled people meant his position became untenable. He is believed to be interested in the job, but The Telegraph state that the organisation may find the appointment a difficult one to sell to the public.
Other names in the frame include Eddie Howe, Slaven Bilic and Arsene Wenger, but they are all believed to be long shots, as they are unlikely to leave their current positions with Premier League clubs.
The favourite with bookies is now United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann, whose popularity with the American fans is the subject of some debate, given his decisions over squad selection.
The Telegraph also note that Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker and Frank Lampard are willing to help out if asked, and could be added to a coaching ticket to help generate support in the wake of an embarrassing exit from the Euros.
Via The Telegraph
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