Frank Lampard is one of the most iconic figures in English football history. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Chelsea, a club legend who won 13 major trophies as a player, and a former England international who earned 106 caps and scored 29 goals. He is also a highly intelligent and articulate person, who holds a degree in Latin from the Open University and has written several children’s books.
But is he the right man to become the next manager of the England football team?
Lampard has had a mixed managerial career so far. He started well at Derby County, leading them to the Championship play-off final in his first season, where they lost to Aston Villa. He impressed with his tactical flexibility, his ability to develop young players, and his attractive style of play.
He then moved to Chelsea, his beloved club, where he faced a difficult challenge. He had to cope with a transfer ban, a squad overhaul, and high expectations from the fans and the board. He did well in his first season, securing a fourth-place finish and reaching the FA Cup final, where they lost to Arsenal. He also gave opportunities to academy graduates such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, and Reece James.
However, things went downhill in his second season. Despite spending over £200 million on new signings, Lampard failed to get the best out of them. He struggled to find a consistent formation, a defensive balance, and an attacking identity. He lost the dressing room, the confidence of the board, and the support of the fans. He was sacked in January 2021 after a run of five defeats in eight league games.
He then took over at Everton, where he faced another tough task. He inherited a team that was languishing in the relegation zone, with low morale, poor fitness, and a lack of quality. He tried to instill some discipline, some passion, and some organisation, but he could not turn things around. He was sacked in May 2022 after Everton were relegated for the first time since 1951.
He then returned to Chelsea as caretaker manager in April 2023, after Mauricio Pochettino resigned following a fallout with owner Todd Boehly. Lampard was seen as a temporary solution, a familiar face who could steady the ship until the end of the season. However, he has failed to do so. He has lost all six of his games in charge so far, conceding 18 goals and scoring only four. Chelsea are currently 12th in the table, with no hope of qualifying for Europe.
So why would Lampard be considered for the England job? Well, there are some positives to his candidacy. He knows the English game inside out, he has experience of playing at international level, he has a good rapport with some of the current players who he coached at club level, and he has a clear vision of how he wants his teams to play.
But there are also many negatives. He lacks experience of managing at international level, he has not proven himself at any club he has managed so far, he has shown poor man-management skills, he has been unable to cope with pressure or adversity, and he has not demonstrated any tactical nous or adaptability.
In conclusion, Frank Lampard is not ready to become the next manager of the England football team. He may have been a great player and a great person, but he is not a great manager. He needs more time to learn from his mistakes, to improve his skills, and to rebuild his reputation. England need someone who can take them to the next level, someone who can inspire them to glory, someone who can make them proud. Frank Lampard is not that someone.