Former England striker Michael Owen has dismissed the idea that Pep Guardiola's recent departure from Manchester City poses any threat to current England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Owen presented two key arguments to support his assertion. His primary reason is the recent contract extension handed to Thomas Tuchel, which now sees him committed to the Three Lions until the Euro 2028 tournament. This significant commitment makes any immediate change in the England managerial hot seat highly improbable.
Secondly, Owen speculated on Guardiola's likely post-Manchester City plans. He suggested that after a demanding ten-year tenure at the helm of the Etihad club, the Catalan manager is more inclined to take an extended break from the intense pressures of club management.
Owen believes that Guardiola would likely seek a period of rest and recuperation rather than jumping straight into another high-stakes managerial position. This personal reflection stems from the sheer dedication and relentless nature of managing at the highest level of club football for such a prolonged period.
While acknowledging that Guardiola's name might inevitably be mentioned in speculative conversations should England falter significantly in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Owen views this as an unlikely scenario. He emphasized that if Guardiola were to consider a return to international management in the near future, he would likely be more attracted to other national team roles.
Owen specifically mentioned the Spain national team job as a more probable destination for Guardiola, given his nationality and previous experience, rather than the England position. This preference is based on a perceived alignment of interests and opportunities.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel himself is under considerable pressure to deliver success for England. The nation has been waiting for a major international trophy for over six decades, and the upcoming World Cup represents another significant opportunity to end this long-standing drought.
Therefore, while Guardiola's availability might spark some theoretical interest, the practicalities of Tuchel's contract and Guardiola's probable desire for a break, coupled with potential alternative international roles, make him a non-threat to the England manager's position at this juncture.
