The English FA has currently ruled out hiring Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, Jürgen Klopp, and Thomas Tuchel, according to Sky Sports. This leaves Lee Carsley as the temporary manager and the dream of signing Pep Guardiola in the summer of 2025.

After parting ways with Gareth Southgate post-Euro in Germany, England is temporarily managed by Carsley, who was previously the U21 coach. Carsley has only managed two matches so far, securing wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, but his strong start might earn him a longer-term contract with bigger ambitions next summer.

Guardiola’s contract with City ends on June 30 next year, coinciding with the FIFA Club World Cup, which Manchester City is set to participate in. Renegotiating his contract now is tricky given the legal troubles City faces, as the Premier League has charged them with 115 financial irregularities.

The ongoing trial, which started over two weeks ago, could lead to fines, loss of points, or even expulsion from the Premier League and other competitions, should the 'Sky Blues' be found guilty. In this context, Guardiola has mentioned two options. He said he might stay and coach in League One (Third division) and also stated that if the club lied to him about being innocent, he would walk away.

Guardiola has never hidden his desire to manage a national team, and the England opportunity is a big one. With a team that’s been Euro finalists twice, packed with talent, and a World Cup a year away, it’s quite tempting. Plus, staying in England would suit Guardiola, as he feels better treated and less pressured than in Spain, and he has a good relationship with the local press.

If he sees out his current contract next June, Guardiola will wrap up nine years in Manchester, where he’s achieved all his goals. Besides winning six Premier League titles, potentially seven, he’s secured all other trophies, including the club’s first Champions League.