The Football Association's first choice to lead England into this World Cup as manager was Pep Guardiola, with whom it reached a verbal agreement in 2024 before he chose to remain at Manchester City, according to a new report from The Athletic. That decision ultimately led the FA to Thomas Tuchel, a Champions League-winning manager, who was appointed that October with the explicit goal of ending England's 60-year wait for a World Cup title.

Tuchel is safe in his job despite England's semifinal exit to Argentina. His contract included clauses that could have allowed either side to end the partnership had England been eliminated before the quarterfinals. But despite the manner of the defeat, which has caused widespread frustration domestically, and the fact that Guardiola, now available after departing Manchester City at the end of the season, would presumably still be interested in the role given his prior agreement to take it, Tuchel appears certain to continue in the position.

Guardiola's departure from City opened the possibility of revisiting that earlier interest, but sources indicate the FA remains committed to Tuchel, who signed a contract extension in February running through Euro 2028. That tournament will be played on English soil, where the team will again be considered among the favorites.

Guardiola could possibly be revisited as manager depending on the results of Euro 2028 and ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Guardiola is not expected to immediately take another managing job following his extended run at City.

Jurgen Klopp, who was Guardiola's primary peer in the Premier League, recently accepted the managerial job with Germany. Luis de a Fuente appears entrenched as manager of Guardiola's home country of Spain.