Pep Guardiola has changed his tune over England job as fresh stance emerges

Pep Guardiola looks to have U-turned on his stance regarding managing the England national team.

His contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, and with discussions about an extension currently paused, the Spaniard's future is up in the air. The FA is looking for Gareth Southgate's permanent replacement and is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation amid reports the ex-Barcelona manager is at the top of their wish list.

Persuading Guardiola to take up the reins at St George's Park used to seem unrealistic, especially since he openly stated that he didn't want the job back in 2017, asserting that the role should go to an English national. However, in a surprise revelation, the 53-year-old has refused to rule himself out of the running.

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"I haven't finished my career at Manchester City yet, I still have to think about [my future]," he told Italian oulet Che Tempo Che Fa on Sunday. "It's not 'true' that I'll be the England coach. I haven't decided anything yet, if I had decided my future at Manchester City I would say so, anything can happen in life."

After England's 3-1 Nations League victory over Finland on Sunday, acting head coach Lee Carsley hinted that he may not be the best fit for the permanent position, instead urging the FA to appoint "a world-class coach who has won trophies."

Guardiola clearly fits that bill, but he isn't alone, with several high-profile names in contention for the role. Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who has been without a club since he departed from Bayern Munich at the end of