Pep Guardiola Unlikely to Replace Thomas Tuchel as England Coach Despite World Cup Exit
Pep Guardiola remains out of management following his exit from Manchester City, but there is no rush for him to take over the England job after their World Cup semi-final defeat, according to Joleon Lescott. The former defender advised against quick decisions on Thomas Tuchel's tenure despite tactical questions arising from the loss.
Criticism of Tuchel's Tactics in Atlanta
The German coach, previously at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, faced scrutiny after England's clash with Argentina. Although Anthony Gordon gave England an early lead, the team withdrew defensively instead of pressing forward. Tuchel chose to make defensive substitutions, which allowed Lionel Messi to create two assists and extend England’s long wait for a major international trophy beyond six decades.
Instead of pushing aggressively after taking the lead, Tuchel seemed intent on preserving it, inviting pressure that led to Argentina's comeback. Some voices have called for ending Tuchel's contract, which includes the upcoming 2028 European Championship at home. Names like Eddie Howe, who recently won silverware with Newcastle, have surfaced as possible replacements. Guardiola’s availability after ten years at City also attracts attention.
Lescott Backs Stability Over Kneejerk Reactions
When asked if Guardiola might be interested in the England role, Lescott told GOAL via UniBet Online Casino: "I don’t think Pep is bored, and given how quickly fans and media can turn, I doubt he wants this position right now." He added, "We should be disappointed to be knocked out but not blame anyone immediately. There’s no guarantee to win the World Cup, especially against the defending champions and one of the best players ever." Lescott insisted England reached the semi-finals as expected, being a top-four seed, and sometimes results come down to luck on the day.
Learning from Another Close Defeat
England has a history of near misses, from Maradona to Ronaldo, penalty shootouts, red cards, and finals losses. Lescott, capped 26 times, said the main takeaway is to continue what’s working. "Before we scored, Jordan Pickford made crucial saves, but after, the game changed. Argentina had nothing to lose and played expansively, while England was pushed back," he explained. Despite moments where England controlled play after Argentina's equalizer, the team couldn’t hold on.
Looking Ahead for England
England will face France in the third-place play-off, aiming to end their campaign on a positive note after a tough tournament in North America. The UEFA Nations League returns in September, potentially starting with a match against Spain, the World Cup winners. Whether Tuchel remains in charge by then is still uncertain.
