GUARDIOLA HAD VERBAL AGREEMENT TO BECOME ENGLAND BOSS BEFORE TUCHEL APPOINTMENT

Pep Guardiola reached a verbal agreement to become England head coach before reversing his decision to remain at Manchester City, according to reports. Thomas Tuchel was subsequently appointed to the role in January 2025 after Guardiola's U-turn. Guardiola is now a free agent following his departure from Manchester City at the end of last season. Reports suggest he may still hold interest in the England position, though the Football Association has reaffirmed its commitment to Tuchel following England's World Cup semi-final exit.

England's campaign ended in defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with the team leading before conceding a late comeback. Questions have been raised about Tuchel's future, with some calling for his removal and proposing Guardiola as a replacement. Tuchel's contract contained clauses permitting either party to agree to his exit, but only if England had been eliminated before the quarter-finals. England's progression to the semi-final, their fourth appearance in the last-four in their history, means these clauses were not triggered. The Football Association extended Tuchel's contract earlier in the year to secure his tenure through Euro 2028, and Tuchel rejected an approach from Manchester United in January.

The Football Association has signalled it intends to retain Tuchel as long-term manager following a procedural post-tournament review. England faces France in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Tuchel's position remains secure despite the semi-final defeat, with no indication the FA intends to revisit the managerial question in the near term.