Sampson was appointed as England women's manager in December 2013
The England women's new coach should be female, says the national team's record goalscorer Kelly Smith.
Mark Sampson, 34, was sacked on Wednesday after evidence emerged of "inappropriate and unacceptable" behaviour in a previous role.
"I think they'll take their time on getting the right person, they can't be hasty," said Smith, who has ruled herself out of contention for the role.
"I'd like to see a female take over, but we'll have to see what happens."
Smith, who was capped 117 times and scored 46 goals, is not in the running to replace Sampson, although Manchester City's Nick Cushing, Chelsea's Emma Hayes and Seattle Reign's Laura Harvey are among the possible contenders.
Pauline Cope, England goalkeeper from 1995 to 2004, believes the Football Association will want to appoint a female coach.
"I don't think it matters, but the way the FA work, they won't want another man in charge now, that's how I see it.
Asked to nominate a successor, Cope added: "For me, Mo Marley (head coach of England women's Under-19s) and Marieanne Spacey (England women's player and coach developer) at the moment.
Long term Hayes because she is a brilliant manager, but she probably won't get it because she is outspoken and the FA probably want yes people."
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