Wayne Rooney admits he would like Pep Guardiola to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager, but believes Lee Carsley deserves a shot at it too.
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Southgate resigns as England bossRooney wants Guardiola to succeed himSays England U21 boss Carsley deserves a shotWHAT HAPPENED?
Southgate resigned as England manager less than 24 hours after their 2-1 Euro 2024 final loss to Spain last month. While ex-Manchester United forward Rooney would ideally like Manchester City boss Guardiola to take up the Three Lions hotseat, he also feels England Under-21 boss Carsley has done enough to be in with a shout, too.
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He told Sky Sports: "I'd like Pep to be honest. I think England have to strive for the best managers and Pep would be great; the way he gets his team's playing. But I think Lee Carsley deserves his opportunity. I played with Lee at Everton, we were both younger and he is a very good person and coach. He's done really well with England's under-21s, similar to Gareth's pathway. So I think he deserves this opportunity and if he does well, maybe you are looking at the next England manager."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Carsley has been linked with the England job, alongside ex-Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe – although he appears intent on staying at St James' Park for now. Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ruled himself out of the role so it remains to be seen who will take over from Southgate.
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While the FA continues to look for Southgate's successor, they may have an eye on Guardiola – who is out of contract next summer. Whether the Spaniard will take up the role, if offered it, remains to be seen.