England 'prepared to wait' over dream candidate Pep Guardiola

Gareth Southgate's departure from the England national team has opened up a vacancy for the top job with the Three Lions.

Southgate opted to make an immediate departure from his role as England lost out to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on July 14.

The former defender led the England men's team since September 2016, including two World Cups and two UEFA European Championships, as part of their most successful run since winning the World Cup in 1966.

However, despite the progress under his leadership, England failed to end their trophy drought with defeats in successive Euros finals, against Italy and Spain.

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The English FA are rumored to be keen on making an appointment before their UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is reportedly amongst the names being considered, alongside Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

Jurgen Klopp's name has also been mentioned, but he appears to have ruled himself out .

Both Potter and Howe would offer continuity as English bosses leading the national side, but the FA are open to appointing a non-English target, with Guardiola a potential option.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City contract

Guardiola clinched a fourth successive Premier League title at Manchester City last season on the back of a first-ever UEFA Champions League crown as part of a trophy treble in 2023.

The former Barcelona boss is yet to decide on extending his contract at the Etihad Stadium beyond its expiry at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

City are willing to let Guardiola take his time over his next move but the 53-year-old has confirmed he will remain in place for the incoming season.

If England were to make a move for Guardiola, they would have to wait until next summer, with an interim option potentially covering in between.

Reports from The Independent indicate the FA are confident Guardiola could be the perfect candidate to finally win a trophy for the national team and Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley could step in on a short term basis to fill the gap.