Euro 2016: England boss Roy Hodgson riled by FA holding secret talks with Brendan Rodgers over succeeding him
THE Three Lions boss' contract is up after the Euros and he is struggling to convince the FA to keep him on
THE FA held secret talks with Brendan Rodgers about him replacing Roy Hodgson as England’s head coach.
Rodgers, appointed Celtic boss in May, was sounded out by the governing body’s head of elite development Dan Ashworth.
Hodgson’s contract is up after the Euros and he is struggling to convince the FA to keep him on.
Rodgers had only just been sacked by Liverpool when the FA made discreet soundings about his availability late last year.
SunSport sources described the talks as “exploratory” but Hodgson will be hugely upset that the FA went behind his back.
Rodgers was understood to be flattered but made it clear that he had unfinished business at club level.
The FA ideally would prefer an English coach if Hodgson does leave his post.
But they have not ruled out a ‘nationalised’ boss — criteria that included Rodgers and ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez.
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Gary Neville, appointed No 2 on a four-year contract in 2012, is another internal candidate.
But his experience at Valencia, where he was sacked after just four months, will surely count against him.
Eddie Howe, who has admitted it would be difficult to resist the call from his country, is one of the next generation.
Keeping Bournemouth up in their first season was mighty impressive.
Sean Dyche did a top job at Burnley last season, guiding them back to the top flight as champions.
There are some wise old heads like Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew, but the FA want to keep
their next coach under control.
Allardyce, interviewed for the job when Sven- Goran Eriksson was sacked in 2006, will not be told how to coach.
Pardew, who wants the job on a two-year rolling contract, is the only other realistic contender.