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The England Football Association has reportedly identified Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as a potential candidate to take permanent charge of the Three Lions, according to The Times.
Former England U-21 manager Carsley has been in charge of the Three Lions in an interim capacity since former head coach Gareth Southgate vacated the role in the summer. Southgate handed in his resignation after leading England to the final of Euro 2024 in July, where they lost 2-1 to eventual winners Spain.
Carsley said that the Three Lions could rely on a world-class manager who has won loads of trophies, hinting that he might not be a candidate for a permanent role. After England's 3-1 win at Finland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday (October 13), Carsley said:
"I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I'm happy with that," he said. "This is a privileged position. Really enjoying it but I didn't enjoy the last two days. I'm not used to losing in an England team, I don't take losing well.
"People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I'm in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world-class coach that has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."
The English FA is yet to announce a permanent manager for the senior national team. The Times suggests that contact has been made with Guardiola over becoming the next manager.
Pep Guardiola reacts to reports linking him with England national team job
The Spanish tactician's contract with Manchester City expires next summer. While there haven't been any announcement of an extension, Guardiola could be in his last season at the Eithad.
He's in his ninth season with City, the longest he has ever been at a club in his managerial career. He has also won a record six Premier League titles with the Cityzens, among other silverware.
The City boss recently talked about his City future as well as links to the vacant England job, telling The Times:
“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.”
It will be interesting to see if Guardiola follows in the footsteps of Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson as the foreign coaches to become England manager in a full time capacity.
