Euro 2016: England held 'secret talks' with Brendan Rodgers about succeeding Roy Hodgson as manager

The 68-year-old’s contract with the FA expires after this summer’s tournament and he has been informed that he must lead England to at least the semi-finals

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England manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly been made aware that Football Association chiefs held talks with Brendan Rodgers about succeeding him after the European Championship.

The 68-year-old’s contract with the FA expires after this summer’s tournament in France and he has been informed that he must lead England to at least the semi-finals to be offered new terms.

Rodgers, now managing Scottish champions Celtic, had only just been sacked by Liverpool in October when, according to The Sun, he was approached by the governing body’s head of elite development Dan Ashworth.

The FA are known to be keen on appointing an English manager when Hodgson eventually vacates his post but would be willing to entertain the idea of approaching a candidate from the home nations.

The report states that the talks with the Northern Irishman were merely “exploratory” but nonetheless raises questions over the FA’s commitment to their manager. Gareth Southgate, the Under-21s manager, and Gary Neville are two alternatives.

Eddie Howe, meanwhile, remains the most attractive option but is thought to be staunchly loyal to his current club Bournemouth.

Sam Allardyce, interviewed for the job when Sven-Goran Eriksson was sacked in 2006, is thought to be too headstrong for the post while Alan Pardew’s stock has fallen following a slump in fortunes at Crystal Palace.