Steven Gerrard backs Football Association to "get it right" in manager search

Former England international Steven Gerrard has claimed that he is confident the Football Association will make the right call when it comes to hiring a manager.

The search for a new boss is thought to now be down to a list of five names - Sam Allardyce, Jurgen Klinsmann, Steve Bruce, Eddie Howe and Glenn Hoddle - following Roy Hodgson's departure last month.

Gerrard admits to being hugely underwhelmed by the Three Lions' showing in France, where one group-stage win was followed up by defeat to tournament minnows Iceland in the last-16, but believes that the only way is up for the national side.

"I think everyone's sort of healing from the disappointment of the tournament but what I can say is the FA and the players and the new staff coming in will get it right," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying.

"It will improve and it won't be too long before the fans are smiling again, that's what I believe. I believe in looking forward and trying to improve things and I've got every confidence that everyone involved trying to make it improve, will make that happen."

Allardyce is the current frontrunner to take over an England side now below rivals Wales in the latest FIFA world rankings following their Euros disappointment.