Roy Keane has never been shy about his opinions, and this time, he’s set his sights on a big target: Pep Guardiola. After England’s 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League under interim coach Lee Carsley, Keane chimed in with a suggestion that would make any football fan do a double-take. The Sky Sports pundit believes the Three Lions should go after the Manchester City mastermind as their next permanent manager.
“Why wouldn’t you go for Guardiola?” Keane asked, with all the casualness of someone suggesting you should order fries with your burger. For a team as star-studded as England, it’s not an outlandish idea. After all, Guardiola’s record at City speaks for itself—multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and, of course, a Champions League trophy. His tactical genius could be exactly what England needs to turn promise into silverware.
But let’s not get too carried away just yet. While Keane is pushing for the Guardiola dream, it’s far from clear who will ultimately land the job. The current interim coach, Lee Carsley, fresh off that win in Finland, is keeping his hand raised for the full-time role. And why not? He’s shown that he can steer the ship with confidence, even if this is the biggest job of his career so far. Carsley believes the timing is right, saying the job wouldn’t be “too soon” for him.
Of course, there are other big names in the running. Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe are also reportedly on England’s radar. Each of them brings something unique to the table—Tuchel’s Champions League-winning pedigree, Potter’s tactical flexibility, and Howe’s impressive work at Newcastle. Yet none of them scream “revolution” in quite the same way as Pep.
While Keane’s suggestion is bold, England’s FA has a lot to consider. Guardiola’s contract with City doesn’t run out until 2025, and prying him away from his current project could be a monumental task. Then again, when has Roy Keane ever been one to shy away from a challenge?
One thing is for sure: the race for England’s next permanent coach is heating up, and whether it’s Carsley, Guardiola, or someone else, the decision could shape the future of English football for years to come.
So, should England “go for” Guardiola? According to Keane, the answer is simple—”Why not?”
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