The Football Association could announce who will replace Phil Neville as the new England women’s manager as early as next week.

Neville, who has been in charge of the team since 2018, will leave the role in July next year before the delayed European Championships, which have been postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And now the new boss is set to be revealed almost a year before they formerly assume the position, according to BBC Sport.

It is unclear whether the new appointment will also take charge of the Great Britain team for the Olympic Games next year.

Former United States national team coach Jill Ellis is the favourite to succeed Neville in the England hotseat.

The 53-year-old managed the US for five years between 2014 and 2019, winning back-to-back World Cups before leaving towards the end of 2019.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Manchester City boss Nick Cushing and Manchester United coach Casey Stoney are also said to be in contention.

In July, FA head of women's football Baroness Sue Campbell said: "Who has got the ability to take us right to the top of Everest?

"The players deserve the best and I want to get them the best if I can."

It has not yet been confirmed when England will return for their first match since the pandemic.