David Beckham for next England manager: Nearly 50% of football fans want it

David Beckham being appointed as the next manager of England would be welcomed by almost half of all football fans, according to Ladbrokes.

As part of a survey conducted by the bookies to celebrate Beckham’s 50^th birthday on 2 May, 43% of the 1,000 people questioned said that they would love to see the former England captain manage the Three Lions.

Breaking it down further, 55% of the female fans surveyed said they want him to be England manager versus 36% of the male respondents.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: “He’s not shown a desire to be a manager since retiring, but it’s hard to think of a more beloved figure. Let’s not forget that he was wearing a waistcoat in the England dugout long before Sir Gareth Southgate as a member of Fabio Capello’s 2010 World Cup staff! As a longtime unofficial ambassador for the country on top of his charity work, it’s no surprise to see so many people in favour of seeing him become Sir DavidBeckham.”

Meanwhile, 44% of the respondents believe he deserves a date with the king to receive the one of the few honours that’s eluded him: a knighthood.

Ladbrokes also revealed that a "significant chunk of Brits" would welcome seeing David Beckham as the next 007, but the latest next James Bond odds don't suggest it's on the cards.

Back to England, and the Three Lions will walk into the World Cup in 2026, should they qualify, as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel's contract as England manager expires at the end of the tournament, so depending on how he does, Beckham could find himself in the Wembley dugout in just over a year.

View the latest football odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.