The Pep Project! England should turn to Guardiola if Southgate leaves, says Sheringham

Former England striker Teddy Sheringham says the Three Lions should look to Pep Guardiola if manager Gareth Southgate steps down at the end of Euro 2024.

Southgate's contract runs until December and there was fresh speculation this morning that the Football Association are hoping to persuade him to stay beyond the 2026 World Cup.

This seems unlikely if the 53-year-old player has considered leaving before and said before the tournament in Germany that he might be the last to manage his country.

England's run to the finals, where they will face Spain on Sunday, could change hearts but the smart money will be on England needing a new coach to lead them to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. a period of years.

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Go to Guardiola

Sheringham, who won 51 caps as an England player, believes Manchester City manager Guardiola is the best candidate.

He told Online Poker: “If I was in the FA and given the choice, I would hack Pep Guardiola. I don't know if he'd want to take the job – if given the chance he'd probably take a stab at Spain, although it looks like they're in a good place with Luis de la Fuente at the moment. .

“Obviously, we have never seen him in charge of the national team before, but he deserves to take the risk. He would be my choice to replace Gareth Southgate – the FA can afford it, so what's to lose?”

Guardiola is entering the final year of his contract at City and admitted after their record fourth Premier League title in May that he was “closer to leaving than staying”.

He has spoken in the past about wanting to inspire international management but it remains to be seen whether the timetables align even if Southgate is to leave.

Spain 🆚 England

Berlin. On Sunday.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/f1NqmQfOpO

– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024

Southgate has a game to focus on

Southgate's main concern is Sunday's game in Berlin where England hope to secure their first international trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Sheringham is confident England can do the job.

“It will be a very difficult game, but I expect us to win,” he said. “We have seen how good the Spanish players have been in all competitions, they were probably the best team in the squad. All the England players on the pitch must play nine out of 10 games, and then overall we need to be at a high level as well.

“I hope that will be enough for us to win with extraordinary goals – I will go with 2-1 to England.”