Roy Keane has made headlines by advocating for England to pursue Pep Guardiola as their next national team manager, following Gareth Southgate’s departure. Guardiola, currently at Manchester City, is set to be out of contract at the end of this season. With his future undecided, Keane believes the FA should take advantage of the opportunity to secure one of football’s most successful coaches. According to Keane, England should aim high and target the “best guy,” with Guardiola fitting that description due to his unparalleled record of winning major titles, including multiple Premier League trophies and a Champions League.
Guardiola, for his part, has not ruled out any future move but remains non-committal about his next steps. He has expressed his love for Manchester City and said that while nothing is decided, “anything can happen” when it comes to his future. This has fueled speculation that the Spanish manager, who has previously expressed an interest in international football, could consider the England role once his City contract expires.
However, Guardiola isn’t the only name in the mix. Other potential candidates include Thomas Tuchel, currently linked with Manchester United if Erik ten Hag departs, and homegrown talents like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter. Yet, none carry the same global clout as Guardiola. Jurgen Klopp, another top contender, has taken himself out of the running by committing to Liverpool, narrowing the field for the FA.
Interim manager Lee Carsley, who has been filling in since Southgate’s exit, has also had mixed results. While Carsley expressed enthusiasm for the position earlier in his tenure, recent struggles, particularly the loss to Greece, have led to questions about whether he is ready for the full-time role. His attacking approach and team selection have faced scrutiny, and although he did lead England to a 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League, many believe the team needs a more seasoned manager with a proven track record.
The FA is under pressure to make a decisive choice soon, as England looks to build momentum heading into future tournaments. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see the team take the next step after their near-miss in the Euro 2020 final, and securing a manager of Guardiola’s caliber could be a game-changer. However, the decision remains uncertain, with other candidates still in the frame and Guardiola’s future still unresolved.
