Ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard second favourite for England Under-21 job

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:07 BST
• 3 min read

Frank Lampard is the highest profile name on the shortlist of likely candidates to take over from Aidy Boothroyd as England Under-21 manager.

It was announced on Friday that Boothroyd would leave the post after a failed tilt at the European Under-21 Championship, which ended in the group stages.

READ MORE: Lampard’s ‘perfect’ managerial role pinpointed by former England colleague

The Young Lions suffered shock defeats against Switzerland and Portugal, before the concession of a stoppage-time goal in a 2-1 win over Croatia saw them crash out on goal difference.

“We didn’t finish in the way we wanted,” said Boothroyd, whose contract is up in the summer, in a statement.

“It’s been the greatest privilege to represent the FA and lead England teams into high-profile tournaments.

“I’m very proud to have been able to work so closely with players who I know will go on to have remarkable international careers and to have experienced some very special moments with them over the years.”

Who will be the next England Under-21 manager?

Lampard is the highest profile name on the shortlist to replace Boothroyd as England Under-21 boss.

As a player, the former Chelsea manager thrived at international level, while as a manager he excelled with a young Blues side that he led into the Champions League against expectations in his debut 2019/20 season.

Lampard has, however, been out of work since January, unable to inspire the same magic in a Chelsea team that was heavily invested in over the course of last summer.

Nevertheless, this is a role he has been touted as “perfect” for.

Hot favourite, meanwhile, is England Under-17 boss Justin Cochrane. A former Antigua and Barbuda international defender, Cochrane was a journeyman professional who spent much of his playing career in the lower reaches of the English leagues.

Also in the running according to bookmakers are Eddie Howe, out of work since leaving Bournemouth this time last year, and Chris Wilder, who has recently departed Sheffield United.