Pep Guardiola, the former manager of Manchester City, is reportedly in discussions for the vacant head coach position with the Italian national team. The move has also sparked speculation about a potential future role with the English national team.
England recently achieved third place in the World Cup, their best performance in a men's tournament since 1966. Despite this success, current manager Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism following a semi-final loss to Argentina. Some observers felt his defensive substitutions in that match contributed to the team's inability to maintain a 1-0 lead.
Tuchel, who was appointed in January 2025 and signed a two-year contract extension in February, reportedly retains the backing of the Football Association (FA). However, former England captain Wayne Rooney commented on The Wayne Rooney Show that the FA might consider approaching Guardiola if he becomes available. "I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him," Rooney stated.
Rooney further suggested that if Tuchel were to be dismissed, the options for a replacement are limited unless Guardiola is a possibility. "If we sack him [Tuchel], what managers are we going to bring in? And I don't think there's anyone out there who's as good as Thomas Tuchel, unless Guardiola."
Reports indicate that the FA had approached Guardiola prior to appointing Tuchel. It was suggested at the time that a verbal agreement was in place for Guardiola to remain with Manchester City. During his ten-year tenure in England, Guardiola secured 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shields. He also led Manchester City to a Champions League victory in 2023, followed by wins in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.