Have England finally found Big Sam’s surprise successor?

Since he was reportedly spotted at Wembley for England’s latest World Cup qualifier against Malta, one time Italy international and largely well received Manchester City boss – Roberto Mancini – has subsequently seen his name linked rather heavily with the post most recently occupied by Big Sam Allardyce.

 

After the headline making newspaper allegations that simply served to embarrass Allardyce and destroy his future ambitions as the proud manager of the Three Lions international setup, the F.A. seemingly have it all to do in finally locating the former Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland manager’s long-term successor.

 

So then, as few England fans remain impressed by the prospect of former Middlesbrough centre-back, Gareth Southgate, defiantly waltzing the Three Lions into the next major international tournament with little in the way to hold him back…

 

if @GarethSouthgate does a decent job as @England manager over the next few games would he get the job? #fa #england #southgate #BigSam

— Mr. Breartún (@waynebrereton) 2 October 2016

 

…perhaps Roberto Mancini wouldn’t be such a surprise shout after all…

 

Mancini would spice up the England team, better than any English manager, need someone to come in & kick a few. Mancini in.

— Tone MCFC ⚽️ (@MCFCTone) 8 October 2016

 

In-fact, the former Premier League manager might even represent something of a wise choice in the eyes of some England fans, currently pondering their nation’s chances at the upcoming 2018 World Cup in Russia…

 

If Mancini gets the managerial role at England he won't be a yes man to the FA like Hodgson and so many before him were

— James (@James_mcfc_) 9 October 2016

 

…even if Mancini does admittedly arrive with a few telling question-marks hanging precariously above his head right in the here and now…

 

If Mancini takes over England he'll still somehow find a way to start Balotelli up front

— ️️ (@MADVILLAlNY) 8 October 2016

 

The England manager’s job would certainly portray itself in a far more stylish light with Big Sam theoretically replaced with the 51-year-old Italian tactician in the not too distant future…

 

Roberto Mancini in Wembley, today: contacts ongoing with FA, he's one of the candidates to be the next #England manager pic.twitter.com/s3XNals0uA

— Guglielmo Cannavale (@GugliCannavale) 8 October 2016

 

…despite all the initial hype and expectation originally surrounding Allardyce and what he could have possibly brought to the supposedly illustrious role…

 

I'd actually be quite excited for the England game if Allardyce was still at the helm. Such a shame.

— Gilles (@gillesoffthenet) 8 October 2016

 

So whilst such a man hardly represents the ideal option for England at this particular stage in the proceedings…

 

Kinda don't want Mancini to get the England job. Always ends in misery.

— • (@ThePepPlan) 8 October 2016

 

…maybe Roberto Mancini arguably represents the best all-round candidate available for the job after Big Sam’s humiliating fall from grace just one game into his once highly sought after England career!

 

I'd love Eddie Howe getting the England job, but it would completely ruin his career path, too early. Give it to Mancini. #EnglandManager

— Dan McDonald (@DanMcdonald95) 29 September 2016