'Come on!' - Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Thomas Tuchel being named England's new manager as Man City boss makes strong plea to fans

England hired the head coach with the most pedigree in Tuchel, but the decision wasn’t entirely met with widespread support. Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have both been critical of the FA’s decision to hire a foreign coach, while he has failed to last more than two years in his previous two roles.

But among the concerns, Tuchel has a supporter in Guardiola, who was also mentioned as a potential candiate to replace Southgate. In an interview with Sky Sports, the Manchester City boss urged England supporters to get behind the German as he bids to lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026. The two head coaches know each other well from their battles in Germany and England, with Tuchel getting one over Guardiola in the 2021 Champions League final.

"Thomas is the manager - come on! The federation decide - full support from English people, come on. To have to make the last step they need to win a trophy," Guardiola said. "Gareth Southgate - he was so close. The standards for Gareth [were] magnificent. And the federation want [to make] that step and decide from that."

The City boss was also quizzed on his own future as he approaches the final months of his contract at Etihad Stadium. "I'm happy here [at Manchester City]," he said. "I want to win tomorrow, I want to live day by day. I don't think about what happens in February, in March, in April. It's far, far away. I want to enjoy today in the training session and the day after tomorrow the game."

Lee Carsley will oversee the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month, with Tuchel taking charge from January 1. His first game in charge will take place next March, although it's not yet known who England will face.