The Football Association (FA) has begun the search for a new England manager following Gareth Southgate’s departure after the Euro 2024 final. Reports indicate that the FA has identified their ideal candidate and is willing to wait for him if necessary.
Southgate ended his eight-year tenure as England’s head coach after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner in Berlin. Southgate’s final match marked his 105th in charge, capping a period that saw him lead the team to two finals and a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.
With Southgate stepping down, England’s football hierarchy has initiated the process of finding his successor. Names like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been heavily linked to the role. However, Miguel Delaney of The Independent reports that the FA is willing to wait for their preferred choice, as they did with Sarina Wiegman for the Lionesses.
The FA views Pep Guardiola as an “outstanding candidate” for the position. While appointing Guardiola seemed unlikely initially, there is now a belief that he might be available in 2025 when his Manchester City contract expires. City are working to convince Guardiola to extend his stay, but the decision will ultimately rest with him.
Guardiola has significantly influenced English football since joining Manchester City in 2016, winning six Premier League titles and transforming the playing style across the league. His impact on the development of many English players is also notable.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has already mentioned that there is an “interim solution” if needed. Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, a former Everton midfielder and City coach, is a strong contender for the interim role. Carsley’s experience within the youth setup and success with the Under-21 team makes him a seamless temporary replacement. Should Guardiola be unattainable, Carsley could be considered for the permanent role.
Guardiola, a proud Catalan, has previously expressed opposition to managing Spain and shown interest in international management. Brazil has attempted to secure his services before, but the FA hopes the challenge of ending England’s long wait for glory will persuade him.
England’s next fixtures are in September, where they will face the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League, and the FA aims to have a managerial solution in place by then.
