The English Football Association has begun its search for a new head coach for the English national team following Gareth Southgate's resignation from his position yesterday. Southgate stepped down after spending eight years with the Three Lions, taking over from former coach Sam Allardyce. His resignation comes just days after losing the Euro 2024 final against Spain, with a score of 2-1, marking the second final he has lost after the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
According to the British newspaper "Independent," the FA is keen on appointing Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, the current manager of Manchester City, as the head coach of the national team. They plan to convince him to take on the role after his contract with City ends in the summer of 2025. The paper noted that the FA is looking to appoint a temporary manager to wait for Guardiola's decision, as he is the leading candidate to succeed Southgate.
The FA prioritizes finding a coach who understands the culture of the national team, a criterion that fits Guardiola perfectly after spending eight years in England and training numerous players. Thus, it is only natural for him to be at the top of any ideal list to replace Southgate. However, it was previously thought that it would be almost impossible to lure him away from Manchester City.
The report mentioned that there is a feeling within the Manchester City management that Guardiola will not renew his contract and will leave in the summer of 2025, as he has previously expressed interest in entering international management, primarily due to his love for coaching the Brazil national team.
The FA will try to tempt Guardiola with the idea of ending England's wait for an international trophy, especially since the City manager does not show a particular interest in coaching Spain due to his Catalan roots.
The FA intends to appoint a temporary manager for the Three Lions until a final decision is made by Manchester City's current coach, as World Cup 2026 qualifying will not begin until late March. It is expected that under-21 coach Lee Carsley will be considered as a temporary leader, and any success in such matches could see him remain in charge if Guardiola does not leave City or declines the national team position.
