Thomas Tuchel has faced waves of criticism in the wake of England's World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, with Pep Guardiola previously linked with taking charge of the national team
Pep Guardiola gestures
Pep Guardiola left Manchester City this summer(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
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Pep Guardiola reached a verbal agreement with the FA for the England managerial job in 2024, only to change his mind and remain with Manchester City for another two seasons. The Spanish tactician saw a wealth of success at the Etihad Stadium, leading the Cityzens to six Premier League titles, 11 domestic trophies and a Champions League before departing this summer.
However, the MEN understands that Guardiola's trophy-laden 10-year tenure was on the verge of coming to an end two years ago. The 55-year-old was on the verge of becoming Gareth Southgate's successor following his resignation in the summer of 2024, having failed at the final hurdle of Euro 2024 with a cruel 2-1 loss to Spain.
Now, the Athletic have reported that Guardiola had even agreed personal terms with the English FA, only to have a change of heart and remain in Greater Manchester. With Thomas Tuchel ultimately taking up tenure with the Three Lions, expectations were high of the German mastermind headed into this summer's World Cup.
Tuchel managed to guide England to the tournament unbeaten in the qualification process, failing to concede a single goal through an airtight defence and heroics from Jordan Pickford. However, with the nation crashing out of the World Cup in the semi-finals following a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Argentina this week, his future has been cast into speculation.
While England fans may be willing to accept the scoreline on the face of things, it was Tuchel's approach to the contest which has rubbed them the wrong way. Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead 55 minutes into the match, with England seemingly going into defensive mode from then on out.
The team were determined to hold onto their one-goal cushion so early into the contest, despite knowing fine well the attacking threat that Argentina bring to the table. While Tuchel has reportedly refuted claims of taking a defensive approach and argued that he told his squad to "play higher" in private, his substitutions didn't reflect that.
Gordon, who was one of England's most threatening attacking outlets was substituted shortly after his goal in place of Ezri Konsa, while Declan Rice and Reece James made way for Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn soon after. It was only after Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez had tipped the game in Argentina's favour that Tuchel brought on Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford in place of John Stones and Djed Spence, but by that point, it was too little, too late.
While England fans have called for Tuchel's job as a result, the head coach has reiterated his commitment to his contract which is not slated to come to an end until after Euro 2028. The English FA, meanwhile, have reaffirmed their faith in the 52-year-old.
Speaking after the Argentina loss, Mark Bullingham - who is the FA's chief executive - said: "It is heart-breaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament. I would like to thank them all - and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home."
While Guardiola is a free agent, succeeded by Enzo Maresca at City for the new season, it remains unknown whether the England job would entice him once more should Tuchel be relieved of his duties or walk away. For now, it appears as though the 55-year-old is settling into retirement.
Speaking with OKX earlier this week, he explained: "I'm still settling. It was a short time, just one month - more of less. Move all the stuff from Manchester to here in Barcelona, settle in the house and everything. But it's quite good.
"I don't miss...mentally, I'd be thinking, 'In two weeks, one month I have to start again.' Just to figure out where I'll be living my life, most of the time in Barcelona, other times in other places - Middle East and so on. One of the reasons why I stopped, to take care of myself a little bit.
"My body, my back, suffer a lot the last years. And then come back maybe a little bit to do with sport and many things I want to try to do. See much more of my kids, my father is 95 and still is here. My sisters, my brothers, so many things that this crazy schedule of football - every three days, game, game, game during 60, 70 years...
"At the moment I said, 'Pep, stop, stop a little bit and make your life go in front of you a little bit slowly. That is the target. And after, we will see. If I'm missed, and someone wants me, then I will be back. Otherwise, I will continue."