England 'perform Pep Guardiola U-turn' as next manager hunt commences following Gareth Southgate exit
England next manager: Pep Guardiola is under consideration to replace Gareth Southgate
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England have always felt it would be impossible to appoint Pep Guardiola as manager. However, according to reports, their stance has now changed as they consider their options to replace Gareth Southgate.
Southgate announced his resignation on Tuesday, with his exit coming less than 48 hours on from his side's agonising 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The 53-year-old did well during his time as England manager, steering the Three Lions to two Euros finals. He also guided them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the last eight of the same competition in 2022.
According to The Independent, the FA have always considered it virtually impossible to appoint Guardiola.
England next manager: Pep Guardiola is under consideration to replace Gareth Southgate
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That stance has now changed, however.
It's claimed that while figures within the FA would prefer not to wait on Guardiola, they would be willing to re-assess their the situation if there was any indication he'd be open to the role.
Figures within Manchester City fear the Spaniard could leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of next season.
Guardiola has already indicated he wouldn't manage Spain due to political matters, which is another thing that works in England's favour.
The FA appear to now feel there is a chance, albeit a slim one at the current moment in time, that they'll be able to bring Guardiola in.
However, he's not the only candidate the Three Lions have under consideration.
Eddie Howe seems to be the frontrunner for the position, having worked well at Newcastle and Bournemouth over the years. Whether he would be ready to ditch club management for an international gig is unclear, however.
Graham Potter is out of work and available, having been without a job since his sacking from Chelsea in April last year.
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England could go for either Thomas Tuchel or Mauricio Pochettino, with both men believed to be interested in taking charge.
And Under-21s boss Lee Carsley is another candidate, too. The FA previously promoted Southgate from that role to manager of the senior team and a repeat isn't entirely out of the question.
Guardiola would be the dream for many England fans given everything he's achieved.
As well as winning six league titles with City, he previously turned the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich into outstanding sides brimming with attacking intent.
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Should Guardiola leave City, it will leave the Premier League side with a big decision to make.
Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso are two of the names in the frame to potentially take over from the 53-year-old.
Meanwhile, FA chief Mark Bullingham has said England have an 'interim solution' in place if needed following Southgate's departure.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible.
England next manager: Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Man City next year
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“Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
"We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”