Pep Guardiola reportedly had a verbal agreement to become England’s head coach
Pep Guardiola had a verbal agreement with the FA to become England’s head coach in 2024, only to change his mind and remain at Manchester City, reports BritPanorama.
The Spanish manager was the FA’s preferred candidate to replace Gareth Southgate following his departure from the national team role, according to The Athletic.
However, Guardiola’s late reversal forced English football’s governing body to pursue alternative options, ultimately leading to Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as Three Lions boss in October 2024.
The FA first made contact with Guardiola regarding the England role in July 2024, with those close to the manager believing he was giving the opportunity genuine consideration.
Senior officials at Manchester City had already begun preliminary discussions about potential successors, with reports at the time suggesting Guardiola was likely to end his tenure at the Etihad. Despite initially agreeing to take the national team job, the 55-year-old ultimately signed a two-year extension with City, which was confirmed in November 2024.
Guardiola departed City at the conclusion of last season, ending a remarkable decade at the helm.
England’s World Cup campaign came to a devastating conclusion in Atlanta, where Tuchel’s side fell to Argentina despite taking an early advantage. Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions ahead, raising hopes of a place in the final, but when England went ahead, they immediately went into their shell, shifting momentum decisively in Argentina’s favour during the closing stages.
Enzo Fernandez drew Argentina level before Lautaro Martinez struck in stoppage time to complete the turnaround and send his side through to the showpiece match. The manner of the defeat prompted fierce criticism of Tuchel, with some questioning whether the German’s position is now under threat given the painful nature of the loss.
Despite the criticism, the FA maintains complete confidence in the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, with the understanding that he will continue in his role as long as he wishes to do so. Tuchel took full responsibility for the semi-final loss while insisting he had “no regrets” about his tactical decisions.
The German reaffirmed his intention to lead England into the European Championship, having signed a contract extension in February.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham offered his backing following the defeat: “It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today, and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.”
England play France in the third-place play-off final on Saturday evening from 8pm.
