Gary Lineker, former England international and one of the country's most respected football experts, stated that the English Football Association (FA) had discussions with Carlo Ancelotti before hiring Thomas Tuchel.

The German, who will manage England until after the 2026 World Cup, was not the only option on the FA's table, which reportedly approached up to ten coaches since Gareth Southgate's departure, including Ancelotti, the current manager of Real Madrid.

"It was confirmed that they spoke with Pep Guardiola in the summer, and as far as I know, they also spoke with Ancelotti," said Lineker, who currently works with the British broadcaster BBC.

As a manager, Ancelotti spent two years at Chelsea, winning a Premier League title and an FA Cup, and a year and a half at Everton.

Despite his lengthy thirty-year career in football, Ancelotti has never managed a national team.

Tuchel Responds to Criticism