Pep Guardiola responds to England job question amid suggestion Man City boss is frontrunner to replace Gareth Southgate

Following Gareth Southgate's resignation after England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the Three Lions are in the process of selecting a new permanent manager. The Football Association (FA) has a diverse pool of candidates to choose from for the coveted position as Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and current U21s boss Lee Carsley are considered strong contenders.

The FA is exploring the possibility of hiring a foreign manager, with names like Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp also in the mix. Guardiola is reportedly considered the frontrunner, given his track record at club level and the fact that he is entering the final year of his contract with Manchester City.

When asked about the possibility of taking the England job, Guardiola emphasized that his current focus is still on City.

“I’m really excited for this upcoming season,” he remarked during a press conference.

“I’m really happy here. Every season I need the break, definitely, but after that, I recharge my batteries and I have the same energy as usual. I know the competition is coming, and I am fully focused on that.”

There are reports suggesting that the FA might be willing to wait until Guardiola's contract with City expires before making a formal offer. This plan could involve England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley stepping in as an interim coach, guiding the team through the Nations League fixtures and the start of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

Guardiola has previously expressed a desire to manage a national team at some point in his career as he wants to be on the sidelines in a major international tournament like the World Cup. And with the global showpiece event set to take place in 2026, the Three Lions might be the perfect side to fulfill his World Cup ambitions.