England job contender Graham Potter responds to being on the shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate... while still in his graduation gown and hat after being handed an honorary degree!

England's next potential manager has responded to speculation linking him with the job - while stood in a graduation gown.

The Three Lions are on the hunt for their first men's manager in eight years after the resignation of Gareth Southgate this week on the back of his side's Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.

Graham Potter is one of the names believed to be in the running for the role, with the likes of Eddie Howe, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino also thought to be contenders.

Potter had been yet to speak on being linked to the job, but on Thursday broke his silence while at his former university in Leeds, where he was receiving an honorary degree.

Asked if he would be interested in the role by BBC, however, the former Chelsea manager was reluctant to answer, instead paying tribute to outgoing manager Southgate. 

'I don't think today is the day to speak about that,' he said. 'I think Gareth has done a fantastic job. I don't think there's anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.

'I think him and his team have led the country and his time in a really good way and I have a huge respect for him. I think today is the day to wish him a nice break - because he has earnt that - and wish him well whatever he does in the next part of his career.'

Potter was in Leeds to be awarded an honorary doctorate from his former university, and stood answering the question in his graduation gown and hat.

In 2005, he graduated from the Open University with a degree in social sciences with support from the Professional Footballers' Association.

After working in a development coaching role at the University of Hull, he went onto become assistant coach at the England Universities squad.

Later, he would join Leeds Metropolitan University, now Leeds Beckett University, in a similar role, completing a Master's degree in personal and professional leadership with a focus on using emotional intelligence.

Following his time with the university, he carried on working his way up the coaching ladder, eventually making it to the Premier League.

The 49-year-old has been out of work for over a year, having been sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 following a poor run of form.

Mail Sport later revealed that Chelsea would pocket a windfall worth up to £1million should England decide to replace Gareth Southgate with Graham Potter.

Potter departed Stamford Bridge last April after less than seven months in charge. However, Mail Sport understands that the west London club remain obliged to pay his salary, thought to be around £200,000-a-week, until October.

Should the FA swoop, the wage they pay Potter would then be deducted from the amount outstanding from Chelsea.