Frank Lampard has the makings of a future England manager, according to former Chelsea teammate Branislav Ivanovic. The former Blues midfielder has been impressive in his managerial debut since returning to Stamford Bridge and his old compatriot feels he has the makings of a future Three Lions boss.
Lampard took over the reins of his old club from Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge following a debut stint at Derby County last year and in his first season at the helm managed to navigate his side to a top-four finish and an FA Cup final appearance, helping to reaffirm Chelsea’s status as a perennial contender on the top domestic stages.
Continuing to bolster his credentials this term, the 42-year-old has upped the overall performance level of the Blues with an impressive unbeaten run in the current Champions League group stages while seeing his team challenge at the top of the Premier League under his watchful eyes.
Chelsea’s scintillating form has seen the former England player emerge as one of the brightest managerial talents in the English league and Ivanovic – now back in the top flight fresh from a spell in Russia with West Brom this season – believes that he could be a credible successor to Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions job when the time comes.
“When Frank decided to become a manager, everyone who knows him knew he was going to be a success,” the 36-year-old was quoted by the Daily Mail.
“He is the right person in the right place, not just for Chelsea. I hope he will stay at Chelsea for life, but for sure he could give to his country and be manager of the England national team.
“He knows football and has great ideas. I watch his interviews and you can see he understands the game, the things he needs to do and how to give belief to the group.
“It’s a massive job to understand football and to make the team play and work like you want. He has a good group of people around him to help him. He will be a success.
“He fully deserved to be Chelsea manager, not just because of his name. Of course I wish him all the best and for me he will always have a huge part [to play].”