Frank Lampard was favourite to be the next England Under-21s manager after the Young Lions crashed out at the group stages of the 2021 European Championships despite beating Croatia 2-1, but has since been replaced at the head of the market.
The U21s needed to beat their opponents by two clear goals, but Croatia’s Domagoj Bradaric scored a late stoppage-time strike to send his side through at England’s expense.
It marks the second consecutive European Championships current manager Aidy Boothroyd has overseen in which England have failed to progress beyond the group stages.
The new favourite to succeed Boothroyd is current England U17s coach Justin Cochrane, should the FA decide to part company with the current boss after four years at the helm.
Next England U21 Manager Odds (via Paddy Power)
- Justin Cochrane - 9/4
- Frank Lampard - 13/5
- Eddie Howe - 8/1
- Chris Wilder - 10/1
- Phil Neville - 12/1
- Gary Neville - 12/1
- Ian Foster - 14/1
- Danny Cowley - 14/1
- John Terry - 14/1
Odds correct at 11:17 BST 01/04/21
Who is Justin Cochrane?
Cochrane is a highly-rated coach and is well-known to the FA's new technical director John McDermott - whose job it will be to find Boothroyd's replacement if he is axed - having previously worked with him at Tottenham Hotspur where he was assistant head of development (11-16) and went on to coach at Under-23 level at the Premier League club.
The 39-year-old former Antigua and Barbuda international was appointed England Under-15s coach and then moved through the age groups to take charge of the Under-16s and then Under-17s.
The former midfielder has built a strong reputation within the FA through his coaching ability and is likely to be shortlisted as a replacement for Boothroyd.
Would Lampard work for England U21s?
Lampard's willingness to turn to youth while manager of Derby County and Chelsea will certainly appeal to the FA who must surely now be eyeing up potential replacements.
The former England midfielder, who netted 29 times in 106 international appearances, has aided the development of several home-grown stars during his short time in management.
Most famously, Lampard handed Mason Mount his Chelsea debut having managed the England international on loan at the Rams.
The former Champions League and three-time Premier League winner is seen as someone who would certainly garner the respect of England's youth players having risen through the ranks himself, making 19 appearances for the Under-21s between 1997 and 2000.
The big question is, will the FA twist or stick with Boothroyd, with the likes of Lampard waiting in the wings?
More from Sporting Life
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.
