Pep Guardiola ‘sounded out over England job’ and Man City boss will 'decide his future in coming weeks'

The FA have reportedly sounded out Pep Guardiola about becoming the next England manager.

Guardiola is out of contract at Manchester City next summer and the Times say the FA made formal contact with the Catalan at the start of this season.

According to the Times, Guardiola has not decided on his next move but is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks. City want him to stay.

Guardiola would be the standout option to be the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate if he decides to leave City.

The Times say Guardiola is yet to respond to the FA, who are considering other candidates for the England job.

Interim head coach Lee Carsley not expected to remain in the running.

Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are also being considered.

When asked about his future on Sunday, Guardiola said on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet.

“And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it… I don’t know either, anything can happen.”

Carsley said after England’s 2-0 win in Finland on Sunday that the country needed “a world-class coach who has won trophies”, and Guardiola is the standout candidate.

He has led City to four successive Premier League titles and won the Treble in 2023.

Guardiola has also worked with a number of key players in the England squad, including Phil Foden, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Cole Palmer.

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