According to reports, the English Football Association are exploring the possibility of appointing an interim manager to replace Gareth Southgate so they can ‘persuade’ Pep Guardiola to become the next England men’s national team manager.
Although it has not yet been confirmed, Mail Sport has learned that Guardiola is expected to call time on his glittering spell at Manchester City at the end of next season, having won 15 major trophies, including his first Champions League title.
His name has been mentioned along with other candidates to replace Southgate, who resigned as England men’s manager yesterday following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
According to The independentThe English Football Association are ‘prepared to wait for Guardiola’ and while they would not prefer to delay a permanent appointment, the Spanish manager is ‘such an excellent candidate’ that they could appoint an interim coach in a bid to bring in their man.
Southgate’s contract with England expired in December and there were questions over whether the Three Lions manager would remain in his role, with his team facing criticism over their performances during the tournament.
Several managers have been linked with a move for Southgate, including England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegaman, Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and England U21 manager Lee Carsley.
According to The Independent, Carsley is seen as someone who is ‘ready to take a step forward’ given his success with the England side at the same age. The former Everton midfielder could potentially follow a similar path to Southgate.
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