The Independent Chief Football writer Miguel Delaney, has claimed that the FA want to appoint Pep Guardiola as the successor to Gareth Southgate for the England manager role, and are prepared to wait till the expiration of his contract with Manchester City next year.
The decision of Southgate to leave his position as England manager after the completion of Euro 2024 has left the FA in a dilemma on who appoint as his successor.
A host of names, including Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea gaffers Mauricio Pochettino, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel have been suggested as possible replacement for Southgate.
However, it appears the FA have already made up their mind on who to succeed the 53-year-old, with Guardiola being their choice if Delaney’s report is anything to go by.
The Spanish tactician has confirmed that he is not going to renew his contract with Manchester City which means he will become free upon the expiration of his contract.
Guardiola has succeeded in making Manchester City the dominant team in the Premier League and one of the best in European football and the FA will like him to do so with England.
He is the first manager to win four consecutive Premier League titles and will undoubtedly go down as one of the best tacticians in the history of the English top-flight.
While it remains to be seen whether he will be open to accepting the England job, the reason behind the FA decision to go after him is obvious, although there will be some doubts on whether he can replicate his success in club football in international football.
With players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and a host of others, the Three Lions have a great prospect of becoming actual champions under Guardiola.
With a proven winning mentality and pedigree, the tactical guru can make England the team to beat finally after missing a host of chances to be so under Southgate.
