Pep Guardiola’s agreement to become England boss and ‘change of heart’ | Football | Sport

The German has been accused of being too defensive after Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions the lead in the second half. Guardiola has often received criticism for contrasting tactics to Tuchel, not knowing when to sit deep and absorb pressure, with some claiming that had the Spanish coach been in charge – England would have gone through to face Spain. Reports are now emerging that reveal just how close Guardiola came to the top job two years ago.

The former Barcelona boss verbally committed to taking the role back in 2024 following discussions with FA executives, only to reverse his decision and opt to remain at the Etihad Stadium for a further two seasons, according to The Athletic.

Guardiola is currently without a club, having departed City after a glittering decade at the helm, though he has already made clear his intention to step away from football. Following confirmation of his exit from City, he said: “Rest. No plans to train for a while.

“Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back, I will not train for a while. Many people when I said it will be my last season said after three months you will come back. I don’t think so, I will take a while, but I have to prove to myself [that I need a rest].”

He continued: “It’s not 10 years – except half a year in New York, it has been 17 or 18 years every three days with people demanding trebles and Premier Leagues and I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I will be out for a while.

“I feel really satisfied, happy and proud. It has been the experience of my life at City, otherwise I would not have been 10 years. I cannot be more grateful for the amount of love and affection.”

Even if Guardiola had an interest in the position this time round, the FA have painted itself into a corner regarding Tuchel. A clause inserted into his contract has rendered a change extremely improbable.

It is understood that there was a break clause in his agreement that would have permitted both parties to terminate their arrangement should England be eliminated before the World Cup quarter-finals. With the Three Lions having progressed further, any severance payment would likely need to be negotiated.

Nevertheless, Tuchel appears determined to remain in the role. Speaking following the Argentina defeat, he said: “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros. I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”

Tuchel’s existing contract is scheduled to run until the conclusion of the 2028 European championships, having only signed a fresh deal in February.