Pep Guardiola 'Had Verbal Agreement' To Become England Manager Before Tuchel Appointment As FA Stance Emerges After World Cup Exit

Pep Guardiola had agreed to becoming England manager before Thomas Tuchel's appointment, with fresh reports claiming the former Manchester City boss had reached a "verbal agreement" with the Football Association before ultimately remaining at the Etihad.

The revelation has resurfaced following England's painful 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, a result that has intensified scrutiny over Tuchel's future despite the Three Lions reaching the last four.

England appeared on course for a place in the final after taking the lead, only for Argentina to mount a late comeback, prompting criticism of Tuchel's tactical approach as the reigning world champions turned the match around.

In the immediate aftermath, some supporters have called for the FA to make a managerial change, with Guardiola widely viewed as the dream candidate now that he is a free agent following his departure from Manchester City at the end of last season.

According to The Athletic as relayed by The Independent, Guardiola had previously agreed in principle to succeed Gareth Southgate before deciding instead to extend his stay at City. That decision ultimately led the FA to appoint Tuchel in January 2025.

The report adds that Guardiola would "presumably" still be interested in the England role should the opportunity arise, given his previous willingness to take charge of the national team.

Despite the growing debate surrounding Tuchel after the semi-final defeat, there is little indication that the Football Association intends to make a change.

Tuchel's position is understood to remain secure, with the FA reaffirming its commitment to the German following Wednesday's defeat. While his contract reportedly included clauses that could have allowed either party to end the agreement early, those provisions only applied if England had failed to reach the quarter-finals.

An additional exemption was also reportedly included when it became apparent England were likely to face Mexico in the last 16, a tie Tuchel's side won 3-2.

Having guided England to only the fourth World Cup semi-final in the nation's history, Tuchel is expected to remain in charge following the FA's routine post-tournament review.

The German was appointed with one clear objective: to end England's long wait for major international silverware by winning the 2026 World Cup.

There was significant belief within the England camp that he could achieve exactly that. According to The Athletic, players bought into Tuchel's methods, while Sporting Kansas City president Jake Reid revealed that Tuchel and senior FA officials had even discussed getting commemorative tattoos if England finally lifted the trophy. Whether made in jest or not, the story reflected the confidence surrounding the squad's campaign.

The FA has already demonstrated its long-term faith in Tuchel by extending his contract earlier this year, ensuring he remains in charge through Euro 2028.

That commitment was also evident when Tuchel rejected interest from Manchester United in January after the Premier League club explored the possibility of appointing him following Ruben Amorim's departure.

For now, attention turns to England's third-place play-off against France, where Tuchel faces the difficult task of lifting a squad still hurting from a semi-final defeat that slipped away in the closing stages.

While Guardiola's name is once again being linked with the England job, the current expectation is that the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager will continue at the helm, with the FA standing by the man they appointed to lead England into a new era.