Guardiola in the Mix to Succeed Southgate
Alan Shearer has suggested that Pep Guardiola could be a strong candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager. This speculation arises following Southgate’s resignation last month, which put Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe in the spotlight as a potential successor. Despite initial ambiguity from Howe, he has since reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle, leaving the door open for other contenders.
Guardiola’s Future Uncertain
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose contract at the Etihad expires next year, has not ruled out the possibility of taking the England job. This has fueled rumors about his potential move to manage the national team, especially as the Football Association (FA) would be free to approach him once his current contract ends.
Shearer Supports Interim Appointment of Lee Carsley
In the meantime, the FA has appointed England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley as the interim manager. Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, backed this decision, emphasizing the importance of taking time to find the right permanent manager. He noted that the FA’s cautious approach mirrors the process that led to Southgate’s original appointment, giving them the opportunity to carefully consider all options—including a potential move for Guardiola.
Shearer added that Carsley’s familiarity with many of the current players, thanks to his success with the Under-21 team, makes him a wise choice for the interim role. This approach allows the FA to explore all possibilities without rushing into a permanent decision.