GRAHAM POTTER has the backing of Glenn Hoddle to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The Chelsea boss only took over at Stamford Bridge from Thomas Tuchel last month, signing a five-year, £50million contract.
But the former Brighton chief remains the favourite to take over from Southgate when the current Three Lions gaffer leaves his post.
And Hoddle reckons he would be one the best candidates when the job becomes available following his unbeaten start in nine Chelsea matches.
The former England boss, who was in charge at Wembley from 1996 to 1999, said: “I think he needs more credit.
“Him or Eddie Howe will be England manager one day.
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“He has got a talented squad and so much depth.
“There are class players waiting on the bench to come on so you always know you can change it tactically.”
Joe Cole has also been massively impressed at the way Potter has dealt with the big, talented squad at Chelsea and his measured approach.
He added on BT Sport: “When you interview him he is very straight and doesn’t deviate from what he sees as his message.
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“You can’t imagine him getting flustered, I never saw him flustered at Brighton. People were stupidly questioning him then.
“Everyone in that squad will feel they have the opportunity to get back in the fold and become a big player at Chelsea.
“Everyone is motivated. That wanes after time and he will know that.
“After two or three months, Hakim Ziyech, I use him as an example, his motivation might start to slip and how do you deal with that?
“I’m sure Graham Potter will address that when it comes. You are almost looking at things possibly down the line that could go wrong and how he will react.
“He has ticked every box so far, all the players are at it, and his garden is rosy at the moment.”
Potter’s side qualified for the Champions League knockout stages with Tuesday’s 2-1 win away at Red Bull Salzburg.
That was his sixth victory in charge – with the three draws and 16 goals scored but just four conceded.
Southgate will lead England at the World Cup in Qatar next month, his third major tournament.
His contract does run until the end of 2024, covering the next Euros, but the ex-Middlesbrough man is under the most pressure in his six years in the job.
England are winless in their last six matches and are struggling to score goals.
And there is some speculation Southgate may decide to walk away after the World Cup, regardless of how far the team go.
Another name linked with replacing Southgate is Steven Gerrard.
The former national team captain enjoyed success in his first managerial job at Rangers but was sacked by Aston Villa last week.
Mauricio Pochettino, Brendan Rodgers, Frank Lampard and Howe are among the other likely options to succeed Southgate at this stage.
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Southgate must name his World Cup squad by November 13 as he prepares to face Iran, Wales and the United States in Group B.
Should he lead the country all the way to glory, SunSport revealed he would pocket a whopping £4m bonus.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
