Gary Lineker reveals ‘long shot’ choice for next England manager – with preferred pick currently ‘paid an absolute fortune’ by Premier League club

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is into the final year of his contract with the reigning Premier League champions. Guardiola has remained coy when it comes to his future plans, with all avenues being left open for now.

There has been talk of the Catalan tactician being lined up to take the England reins in 2025, with a permanent successor to Gareth Southgate being sought as U21 coach Lee Carsley takes charge on an interim basis for the start of another Nations League campaign.

Lineker has told DAZN when asked for his top pick, with the ex-Three Lions striker explaining why a deal may be difficult: “Pep Guardiola. I don’t think it would be the money that would entice him, I think it would be the thought that he could win something with this incredible group of players. It’s a long shot for me that he might be interested, but he might be and he’s certainly not ruled it out in his press conferences.

“Obviously, he’s being paid an absolute fortune at Manchester City, I’m not sure the FA could compete with that. If he did take the job, I don’t think it would be for the money. I think it’s highly unlikely, but you never know, Pep will do what he wants to do, and if he wants to manage England, the FA will need to find a way.”

Carsley, who has included the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke in his first squad, will be at the helm for upcoming fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. No approach to Guardiola has been made as the Football Association mulls over what to do next.