Next England manager: Pep Guardiola responds to links with Three Lions job

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted he is only focused on the season ahead despite links with the England job.

The City boss is approaching the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and admitted his tenure is coming towards the closing stages, albeit he did not give an indication as to how long he had left.

Guardiola has won six Premier League titles since arriving in English football in 2016 and has previously expressed a desire to move into international management, having long been linked with the Brazil job.

Gareth Southgate stepped down as Three Lions manager after the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and the FA are on the lookout for a new coach before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are among the leading candidates, while Mauricio Pochettino is interested in the job.

Reports have suggested the FA would be willing to wait and appoint an interim manager before approaching Guardiola when his contract expires but the City boss has eyes for only his club as things stand.

“I’m really excited for this season that’s coming,” he told a press conference during City’s pre-season tour of the United States.

“Like every season I need the break, I need it definitely, but after that I charge my batteries and I have the same energy like usual and I know the competition is coming, I will be who we are, who I am. I’m completely focused on that.”