Gareth Southgate’s departure from the England national team has opened up a vacancy for the top job at the Three Lions.
Southgate opted to step down immediately after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on July 14.
The former defender has been in charge of England’s men’s national team since September 2016, including two World Cups and two UEFA European Championships, as part of their most successful run since winning the World Cup in 1966.
However, despite progress under his leadership, England were unable to end their trophy drought with defeats in successive Euro finals, against Italy and Spain.
The English Football Association (FA) are rumoured to be interested in making an appointment before their UEFA Nations League campaign begins in September.
Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is reportedly among the names being considered, along with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Jürgen Klopp’s name has also been mentioned, but he seems to have ruled himself out.
Both Potter and Howe would offer continuity as English coaches in charge of the national team, but the FA are open to appointing a non-English target, with Guardiola a potential option.
Pep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City
Guardiola secured his fourth consecutive Premier League title at Manchester City last season after securing his first UEFA Champions League crown as part of a treble of trophies in 2023.
The former Barcelona manager has yet to decide whether to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium beyond its expiry at the end of the 2024/25 season.
City are willing to let Guardiola take his time with his next move but the 53-year-old has confirmed he will remain in the job for the coming season.
If England were to decide to sign Guardiola, they would have to wait until next summer, with an interim option potentially covering the interim period.
Reports of The Independent They indicate that the FA is confident Guardiola could be the perfect candidate to finally win a trophy for the national team and Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley could step in at short notice to fill the void.
