GRAHAM POTTER has broken his silence on potentially replacing Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has emerged as a firm favourite for the role since it became vacant on Tuesday.
Southgate stepped down as the Three Lions chief following Sunday’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Potter is available to take over right now, having been out of work for 15 months since his sacking by the Blues.
The 49-year-old has now spoken out about the links, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Leeds Beckett University for Services to Sport.
Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men’s team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.
After being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.
He said: “I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.
“I don’t think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.
“I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.
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“And today’s the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career.”
The bookies have it as a three-horse race to succeed Southgate, according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes.
They make former Chelsea flop Potter the 11/10 favourite to take over.
While Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe is just behind in the betting at 2/1
Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino makes up the podium spots at 4/1 – the only other name currently priced shorter than 10/1 to get the gig.
As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.
My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
Thank you, England – for everything.
