Gareth Southgate announced his resignation as the manager of the England national football team on Tuesday, just two days after the team’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The match was decided by a late goal from Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, leaving the Three Lions as runners-up upon their return from Germany.
Southgate’s departure marks the end of a tenure characterized by both notable achievements and near misses on the international stage.
As the Football Association (FA) begins the search for Southgate’s successor, several candidates are under consideration.
Among them are Lee Carsley, the current manager of England’s Under-21 team, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and the experienced Mauricio Pochettino.
A particularly intriguing option for the FA is Manchester City’s highly successful manager, Pep Guardiola.
The FA is reportedly interested in Guardiola due to his proven ability to win trophies and his tactical expertise, which has brought Manchester City numerous domestic and international victories.
According to reports from The Independent, the FA is seriously exploring the possibility of bringing Guardiola on board.
His contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the 2024-2025 season, fueling 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 may appoint Lee Carsley as an interim manager while they try to attract Guardiola.
This strategy mirrors how Southgate was initially appointed as England’s manager—first serving in an interim role before taking on the position permanently, where he led the team for eight years.
The idea of managing an international team could be appealing to Guardiola, who has spent the last eight years guiding 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 to his name, a move to international football could be seen as a natural progression in Guardiola’s illustrious career.
The FA is hopeful they can secure his services if he decides to leave Manchester City after the current season.
While Euro 2024 has just concluded, England’s focus will soon shift to the 2026 World Cup. Qualification begins in March, and the FA is keen to have a new manager in place well before then.
Whether Guardiola will be the one to lead England into their next World Cup campaign remains uncertain, but his potential appointment would undoubtedly signal a bold new direction for the Three Lions.
