Graham Potter says he “fudged” his answer to a question about ambitions to become England manager.

But he is delighted to see English bosses in the Premier League.

The tally has risen by one as a nett result of recent comings and goings.

Aston Villa’s Steven Gerrard has indirectly replaced German Daniel Farke on the list of top tier bosses, with Dean Smith moving from Villa to Norwich.

Events at Newcastle, where Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce, do not affect the tally of homegrown bosses.

Potter said on Thursday: “I think I sort of fudged the question.

“I said if you’re looking at international football and you’re an Englishman, then of course it’s the pinnacle.

“You can see the Champions League and club football is also a pinnacle.

“The England job is a fantastic job and Gareth (Southgate) has done an amazing job there and long may he continue.

“I can’t sit here and say anything else. My focus is on Brighton and Hove Albion.

“I would be very foolish to think of anything other that that because in six months’ time the table might look a lot different and people might think, ‘No chance with this guy’. That’s how it is.”

Gerrard tends to be talked about in relation to Liverpool rather than England, although he is keen to point out he does not see Villa as a stepping stone.

KEY BRIGHTON NUMBERS BEHIND THIS TOUGH PART OF PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

Potter said: “You have to respect that the Premier League is a global business and brand. People own it from all over the world.

“They can employ whoever they want, from all over the world, regardless of passport.

“But, of course, from an English perspective, it’s good if there are English people playing at the highest level and managing at the highest level.”