According to The Athletic, Pep Guardiola reached a verbal agreement with the FA in 2024 to become England manager before deciding to extend his contract at Manchester City.
If the deal went through, he could coach the Three Lions to the 2026 World Cup. England face France in the third place match on Saturday at 11pm.
After Guardiola extended his contract with City, England turned to Thomas Tuchel, 2021 Champions League winner with Chelsea and 2020 finalist with PSG.
A report says the England manager is unlikely to resign despite a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. Guardiola is now available, having left City this summer after 10 years and 20 titles.
A clause in Tuchel’s contract could lead to his departure in the event of a poor World Cup, but a path to the semi-finals would not activate it. He has two years left on his contract and the break would be costly to the FA.