Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola would reportedly be open to managing England at the 2030 World Cup despite recently turning down an offer from the Football Association.
The 53-year-old was touted as a potential candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate, who resigned from his post as Three Lions boss in July after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
England have ultimately decided to appoint a different foreign manager in the form of Thomas Tuchel, with the German penning an 18-month contract and will officially take charge from January 1, 2025.
Guardiola's long-term future remains uncertain as his current contract at Man City, where he has spent the last nine seasons and has won 18 trophies, expires next summer.
Recent reports have claimed that Guardiola is leaning towards signing a short-term contract extension at Man City as he likes the idea of completing at least 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, while he is also 'more likely' to stay at the club if they are found guilty of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League.
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Guardiola 'was offered England job' before Tuchel appointment
However, Guardiola has reiterated his desire to manage at international level at some stage in his career, and a future job at England could appeal to the Catalan.
According to journalist Guillem Balague, Guardiola would favour taking over as England boss ahead of the 2030 World Cup if Tuchel was to depart before then.
Balague, a close friend of Guardiola, has also revealed that the Man City manager was "offered the job" to succeed Southgate at England and mulled over his decision for a couple of months before deciding to turn it down.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Balague said: "He actually was offered the job. He thought about it for two months, and after two months he said 'No because I don't even know what I'm going to do at the end of this season'."
"Manchester City right now feel he's closer to staying than leaving, but nobody really knows."
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Could Guardiola replace Tuchel as England boss ahead of 2030 World Cup?
Balague continued: "What seems clear is that in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one in 2030, Guardiola will have a national side - and England are favourites."
The Spanish journalist then hastily added: "If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan!"
Earlier this month, Guardiola was tight-lipped when asked about whether he was offered the England job, telling reporters: "Thomas Tuchel is the manager. So forget about it. I'm the manager of Man City, forget about it. The rest is not important."
"I congratulate them, the FA and Thomas, for a big job. I wish England - for the fact I am nine years here - the very best for both of them."
Guardiola is currently focused on his managerial duties at Man City and is aiming to steer his team to a record-breaking fifth successive Premier League title, while also targeting success in the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Oliver Thomas
