Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is among several candidates considered by the Football Association (FA) to succeed Gareth Southgate as the next England manager, according to ESPN.
While the FA has not publicly commented on the selection process, reports indicate that former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel is also a potential option.
Tuchel, who has been out of work since stepping down from Bayern Munich in May, is reportedly interested in the England role.
Guardiola’s contract with City expires at the end of the season, making him an intriguing candidate, especially as the FA is open to appointing a foreign coach.
The 53-year-old has previously expressed a desire to manage at the international level.
However, no formal approach has been made, and it remains unclear whether Pep Guardiola would consider the position.
Manchester City expect to know Guardiola’s decision by the end of January at the latest.
His choice may be influenced by the outcome of the club’s trial against the Premier League, where they face 115 charges of breaking financial rules.
If Pep Guardiola signs a one-year contract extension to complete a decade at City, he would do so without his longtime associate, Txiki Begiristain, who is set to leave his role as the club’s director of football at the end of the season, to be replaced by Hugo Viana.
Begiristain has played a crucial role alongside Guardiola at Barcelona and has overseen an unprecedented period of success at the Etihad Stadium, including seven Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
However, sources indicate that City hopes Begiristain’s departure will not affect Guardiola’s decision regarding his future.
Next month’s international break is considered a critical time for Guardiola to evaluate his options, coinciding with the end of Lee Carsley’s interim tenure as England manager.
Carsley was appointed temporarily in August after Southgate’s eight-year reign ended following a loss in the Euro 2024 final to Spain.
Carsley has deflected questions about his interest in the role on a permanent basis, stating that his remit from FA technical director John McDermott was limited to overseeing England’s six autumn fixtures from September to November.
Under Carsley, England secured victories against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September but suffered a defeat to Greece before winning against Finland again this month.
His final matches will be against Greece and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, as England aims to top UEFA Nations League B, Group 2.
If the FA decides to pursue another candidate to succeed Southgate, Carsley will return to his role as the Under-21 manager.
While there has been speculation about the FA waiting for Carsley to prove himself, sources have indicated that the organization has been actively engaging with other potential candidates.
The job specification published in July stated that the successful candidate should possess “significant experience of English football” and “a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also linked to the role before agreeing to a new position with Red Bull.
Possible English candidates include Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter, although neither has won a major trophy.
England reached back-to-back Euros finals under Southgate and is targeting its first trophy in 60 years at the 2026 World Cup.
Read more: Thomas Tuchel in talks to become new England manager
Liverpool receive positive update on Alexis Mac Allister fitness ahead of Chelsea clash
