Gary Lineker has disclosed that he has “heard rumours” regarding England’s search for a new permanent manager to succeed Gareth Southgate. With Lee Carsley currently overseeing the team on an interim basis, speculation about the future leadership of the Three Lions is intensifying. However, Carsley has not applied for the full-time position and has hinted at a return to his role with the U21 squad.
This situation leaves the Football Association (FA) in search of a new manager, with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola emerging as a standout candidate. According to reports from *The Times*, Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been “sounded out” regarding the potential role.
On *The Rest Is Football Podcast*, Lineker expressed his thoughts on the ongoing discussions behind the scenes, suggesting that Carsley might already be aware of the direction the FA is heading in, albeit unable to publicly acknowledge it.
“I wonder – I’ve heard rumours and stuff – whether he knows something about what’s happening in terms of they’re looking for a new manager,” Lineker stated. “I think they’ve sounded out coaches. That’s what the rumours are, that’s what we’ve heard.”
Lineker speculated that Carsley might be preemptively protecting his position and preparing to return to the U21 setup, as he senses he may not be in contention for the senior role. He remarked on the necessity for a “winning coach,” referencing the recent successes of international teams and highlighting Carsley’s achievements with the U21s.
In addition to Guardiola, other managers linked to the England job include Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. As the FA navigates this critical decision, the future leadership of the national team remains a hot topic among fans and pundits alike.
