An exclusive report by The Athletic has dropped a major bombshell, revealing a previously hidden secret verbal agreement between the Football Association (FA) and Spanish manager Pep Guardiola to take over the England national team in 2024.
According to the report, the FA had placed the Manchester City boss as their absolute top priority to succeed Gareth Southgate, who resigned immediately after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain. FA officials reached out to the Catalan tactician, who gave an initial verbal green light to lead the Three Lions—a move that would have marked his monumental transition into international management.
However, the negotiations took a dramatic turn when Guardiola backtracked at the final moment. He ultimately decided to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium for an additional season (the 2024/2025 campaign). This sudden U-turn left the FA in a temporary dilemma, forcing them to appoint Lee Carsley as an interim manager at the time.
What Happened Next for England and Pep Guardiola?
Following the collapse of the Guardiola talks, the FA shifted its focus and officially appointed German manager Thomas Tuchel on a permanent contract that began in January 2025. Tuchel recently led England through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Three Lions bowed out in the semifinals after a tight defeat against Argentina.
On the other hand, Guardiola chose to see out his historic era with Manchester City. In his final season, he secured both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup before officially departing the club at the end of his contract.
While the FA has confirmed that Thomas Tuchel will remain in charge through UEFA Euro 2028, the possibility of England making another move for Guardiola in the future remains a captivating prospect, depending entirely on the Spanish manager’s readiness to return to the dugout.
