Gareth Southgate announced his resignation as the manager of the England national football team on Tuesday, just two days after the team’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The match, decided by a late goal from Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, left the Three Lions with runner-up medals as they returned from Germany.
The decision marks the end of Southgate’s tenure, which has been characterized by both significant successes and near misses on the international stage.
As the Football Association (FA) begins the search for Southgate’s successor, the list of potential candidates is extensive. Among the names being considered are Lee Carsley, the current manager of England’s Under-21 team, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and the experienced Mauricio Pochettino.
However, a particularly intriguing option for the FA is Manchester City’s highly successful manager, Pep Guardiola. The FA is reportedly interested in Guardiola’s proven track record of winning trophies and his tactical expertise, which has led Manchester City to numerous domestic and international successes.
According to reports from The Independent, the FA is seriously considering the possibility of bringing Guardiola on board. Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the 2024-2025 season, which has fueled speculation that he might be open to a new challenge, such as managing a national team.
The FA is eager to make a swift decision regarding Southgate’s replacement, but they might appoint Lee Carsley as an interim manager while they attempt to lure Guardiola. This approach is reminiscent of how Southgate himself was initially appointed as England’s manager, first serving in an interim capacity before being given the job permanently, a role in which he led the team for eight years.
The prospect of managing an international team could be appealing to Guardiola, who has spent the last eight years leading Manchester City to an era of unprecedented dominance in English football.
With multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and a coveted UEFA Champions League trophy under his belt, Guardiola’s move to international football could be seen as a natural progression in his illustrious career. The FA is hopeful that they can secure his services if he decides to leave Manchester City after the current season.
While the Euro 2024 tournament has just concluded, the focus for England will soon shift to the 2026 World Cup. Qualification for the tournament is set to begin in March, and the FA is keen to have a new manager in place well ahead of that time.
Whether Guardiola will be the one to lead England into the next World Cup campaign remains to be seen, but his potential appointment would certainly signal a bold new direction for the Three Lions.
