Gareth Southgate announced his resignation as England’s national football team manager on Tuesday, just two days after a heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions returned home from Germany with a sense of missed opportunity, having lost the final due to a late goal by Mikel Oyarzabal, which sealed Spain’s victory in a tightly contested match.
As Southgate steps down, the search for his replacement is already underway, and the list of potential candidates is extensive. Among the names being considered are Lee Carsley, the current England Under-21 manager; Graham Potter, formerly of Chelsea and Brighton; and Mauricio Pochettino, now managing Chelsea.
However, one of the most intriguing prospects is Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola. According to reports, the Football Association (FA) is particularly interested in the skill set that Guardiola brings to the table, especially his proven ability to secure trophies and build winning teams.
Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City runs until 2025, and there is speculation that he may choose to leave the club at the end of the upcoming season. This has led the FA to consider the possibility of bringing him on board as England’s next manager.
The FA’s interest in Guardiola is driven by his success at Manchester City, where he has led the club to numerous domestic and international victories, establishing unprecedented dominance in English football over the past eight years.
The FA is reportedly eager to make a swift decision regarding Southgate’s successor, but given the potential of securing Guardiola, they may opt for an interim manager in the meantime.
Lee Carsley, who has successfully managed the England Under-21 team and led them to a European Championship victory, is a strong candidate for this temporary role. This strategy would not be unfamiliar to the FA, as Southgate himself was initially appointed as an interim manager before being given the role permanently and going on to enjoy an eight-year tenure.
An international management role could be appealing to Guardiola, especially after spending several years at the helm of a club team like Manchester City.
The allure of leading a national team, particularly one with the potential and talent of England, might be an exciting new challenge for the Spanish manager. If Guardiola does decide to leave the Premier League next summer, the FA believes they could secure his signature and have him guide the national team towards future successes.
While the European Championship has just concluded, England must quickly shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Qualification for the tournament begins in March, and the FA is keen to have a capable manager in place to lead the team through this crucial period.
Whether it will be Guardiola or another candidate, the decision will be pivotal in shaping the future of English football on the international stage.
