England are looking for a new coach to replace Gareth Southgate, and if they want the best, they should look no further than Pep Guardiola.
The Catalan has taken English football by storm over the last few years, turning City into the most feared outfit in the Premier League. He has enjoyed great success with the Etihad club – a trait the FA is keen to bring to the England national team.
If he is to be named England manager, here is how Guardiola might organize the team.
It doesn’t matter who is in charge in England, there is no better goalkeeper option than Jordan Pickford.
His key saves have kept England in games on numerous occasions and his ability to command the backline cannot be overlooked. Pickford is not the type of goalkeeper that Guardiola usually likes, and the Manchester City boss often craves goalkeepers who can play a lot with their feet.
We wouldn’t want another Joe Hart situation, but this is the man needed between the sticks.
At Euro 2024 Kyle Walker often looked flat, but if Guardiola can’t stoke his fire, no one can.
Under Guardiola, Walker has been one of the best defenders in Europe over the years. With his leadership at international level, he could return to his best with the Three Lions.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has shown the world why he deserves a place in the England squad in Germany, arguably one of the best players in the squad at the tournament.
His ability to operate in a three-man defense would appeal to Guardiola, while his leadership skills are also a standout feature. By the time the 2026 World Cup comes around, Guehi will have more experience, making him an obvious choice for the role.
Chelsea man Levi Colwill may not have featured in Germany under Southgate, but with Guardiola he could be a standout player. Fans have been clamoring for a star left-back for the England defender – here’s the solution.
His confidence on the ball can be a big thing for the team, as well as his ability to drive forward to catch the ball. Guardiola will have high hopes for a player like Colwill, who deserves his chance to shine at the big club.
John Stones has been key to Guardiola’s plans for a while, so he will be a key figure in his England squad.
Stones’ place in the team has never really been in doubt, but under Guardiola he can play a more complex role – just like he did in his team. His ability to play a high-profile role could prove vital for England as they aim to introduce a more controlled style of play.
Declan Rice’s position in England’s starting XI should not be discussed.
Rice’s efforts may sometimes go unnoticed, but his ability to handle the ball and set other players free makes him a key player in England’s system.
In fact, who will partner with Rice in the middle of the field has become a question of whether the Arsenal man wants a place in the team.
Versatile Bukayo Saka forms the first part of the attack in midfield.
He is dangerous on the right and knows how to create chances for himself and his teammates. When given the freedom to roam the infield, Saka can be unstoppable.
A technically gifted winger will thrive in this system.
Phil Foden struggled under Gareth Southgate in Germany, but under Guardiola the man is flourishing.
In this program, Foden will be able to play the same role as he did at City, ending the suspicion that he will not be able to work away from the Premier League. He is considered the best player in England’s top flight for the 2023/24 campaign, and Guardiola will no doubt be able to unlock this version of Foden on the international stage as well.
A player like Jude Bellingham could be a surprise under Pep Guardiola. He can play dynamically and can slot into any advanced position on the pitch – it’s no surprise that the Real Madrid star has previously been linked with a move to City.
He is still starting to play football and the ability to be coached by someone like the Catalan would be a huge help in the development of the number ten.
Anthony Gordon hasn’t been given much of a chance to shine in Germany, but the Newcastle star is capable of being a key player for the Three Lions.
Earlier, Guardiola revealed that he likes Gordon and a player of his caliber will work well in Pep’s system. He is one of the nation’s most dangerous left-backs and remains one of the most powerful players on that side of the field.
Harry Kane has always belonged to England – and will remain so even if Guardiola takes over.
Guardiola knows the talent that Kane has, and in fact he will be able to ensure that his club’s goalscoring records are transferred to the international stage.
Kane is yet to win a major trophy, but under Guardiola the Bayern Munich star could be given his first chance.
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