SHEFFIELD United boss Chris Wilder believes Frank Lampard has the credentials to become the future manager of England.
Coventry make the trip to Sheffield United tonight (kick-off 8pm), seeking to dent the Blades promotion hopes at Bramall Lane.
A run of 10 wins in their last 12 games has catapulted the Sky Blues into the play-offs although Coventry still trail the Blades by 21 points in the table.
United sit second in the Championship table, level on points with league leaders Burnley, despite suffering a two-point deduction earlier this campaign.
And Blades manager Wilder believes Lampard does not receive the credit he deserves as a manager.
He also tipped the Sky Blues head coach to manage the England national team in the future.
Wilder said: “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard.
“His playing career is there for everybody to see, I love the fact that he loves football and it shines through that he does.
“He took a tough job at Derby, he had an outstanding run at it, he had a tough gig at Chelsea and Everton.
“I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
“When people talk about England managers and people are critical of him I just don’t get it, he could quite easily manage England in my opinion.
“The job he’s doing at Coventry, he didn’t have to do it, but he wants to get his hands dirty, he loves everything about football so I’m a big fan.
“Coventry City have got arguably one of the best groups of players in this division and that’s being shown now.
“They’re absolutely steaming through everybody, they’ve got fabulous away support, it’s a powerful football club.”
Coventry twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Blades in the reverse fixture at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The game was City’s first at home since sacking former boss Mark Robins while then interim head coach Rhys Carr has since also departed the club.
Wilder branded the club’s decision to appoint Lampard as ‘an inspired choice’ and believes the Sky Blues head coach knows how to deliver success.
Wilder added: “Frank is a respectful guy, he’s a class act in my opinion.
“I’ve had text messages off him over the last two or three years, he’s a proper genuine football guy.
“People talk about Frank Lampard’s Coventry, that’s not what he’s about, he’s on about winning games of football and helping his group to be a success.
“He’ll understand more than anything that success comes along the way, not as an individual but as a group.
“It’s proving to be an inspired choice of manager, they’re a really good side with a lot of quality.
“His record since coming in has been outstanding, I’ve got total respect for the team and manager that we’re up against.”
Coventry make the trip to Sheffield United on Friday, March 28 with kick-off at 8pm at Bramall Lane.
