GRAHAM POTTER has broken his silence on potentially replacing Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has emerged as a firm favourite for the role since it became vacant on Tuesday.
Southgate stepped down as the Three Lions chief following Sunday's heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Potter is available to take over right now, having been out of work for 15 months since his sacking by the Blues.
The 49-year-old has now spoken out about the links, after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Leeds Beckett University for Services to Sport.
Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men's team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.
After being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.
He said: "I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.
"I don't think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.
"I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.
"And today's the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career."
The bookies have it as a three-horse race to succeed Southgate, according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes.
They make former Chelsea flop Potter the 11/10 favourite to take over.
While Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe is just behind in the betting at 2/1
Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino makes up the podium spots at 4/1 - the only other name currently priced shorter than 10/1 to get the gig.
