Brendan Rodgers becomes latest manager to distance himself from succeeding Roy Hodgson as England boss
English football chiefs were yesterday forced to cross another potential candidate off their shortlist to replace Roy Hodgson as Three Lions boss as Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers ruled himself out of the running.
The process is underway to find a replacement for Hodgson, who quit in the wake of England’s dismal Euro 2016 exit, while Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate has already indicated he does not want the job, not even on a temporary basis.
Former Liverpool manager Rodgers only assumed control of the Celtic reins in May, although was linked with the England job prior to Hodgson’s appointment in 2012.
“I’ve just landed my dream job, the team I’ve supported all my life,” said Rodgers. “I haven’t even walked out for my first game. “Is it flattering? It’s football. There are very few professions where one minute you’re up, then down, then up again – that’s just how it goes.
“If people think I can do jobs at a high level, then that’s fine. But I’m busy here, worrying about what I have to do here. I’ll be at Celtic, that’s for sure.”
Southgate was installed as the early favourite to succeed Hodgson and FA chief executive Martin Glenn said this week that the ex-Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender was an obvious candidate to take on the role of England boss on an interim basis which a full-time replacement was sought.
The FA are under pressure to act quickly with England’s World Cup qualifying campaign starting in September, while Rodgers’ stance gives credence to the view of chairman Greg Dyke, who has questioned why anybody would want the England manager’s job.