Gary Lineker has revealed that he believes Pep Guardiola is 'interested' in becoming the England manager when his contract ends at the end of the season.
The Manchester City boss was linked with the Three Lions job in the wake of Gareth Southgate's departure from the role following a devastating defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
But last week England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley was was appointed interim manager for next month's Nations League clashes.
FA chiefs are said to have been hugely impressed by the progress of the Irishman since assuming the role in 2021 and he is a contender to take over permanently from Southgate.
Nonetheless, former England star Lineker reckons Guardiola might consider a job offer should it arrive next summer, the Mirror reports.
Gary Lineker has revealed that he believes Pep Guardiola is 'interested' in becoming the England manager
Speaking on his The Rest Is Football podcast, the Match of the Day host cited a press conference question posed to the City manager
Former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley was England men's interim football manager last week
Speaking on his The Rest Is Football podcast, the Match of the Day host cited a press conference question posed to the City manager.
He said: 'I did see an interview a few days ago with Pep Guardiola where he was asked in a press conference if he would be interested in England.
'And you know, mostly people put that away, but he certainly didn't. And it made me think the way he was talking; I thought he actually might be interested in this job.
'And the fact that they've appointed Carsley as an interim coach and the fact Pep's contract ends at the end of the season... however, I'm maybe having a little bit of wishful thinking here.'
Meanwhile, co-host Alan Shearer praised FA chiefs for giving Carsley a go in the England hot seat before committing to a manager permanently.
He added: 'There are a few people or a couple of people that have actually said that to me, but I don't know, maybe it's just a rumour, but hey, you never know, which is why I think it's a wise decision for them to give it to Carsley and just take their time and see what happens.
'I mean, they've got a game in a month's time, less? So I think it would have been really difficult to appoint someone in that short amount of time.
'So this gives them time to sit back and see and look at the bigger picture.'
Co-host Alan Shearer praised FA chiefs for giving Carsley a go in the England hot seat before committing to a manager permanently
Carsley will succeed Gareth Southgate (pictured) ahead of England's upcoming Nations League clashes
A few days ago, Guardiola remained coy when asked whether he would be interested in the England job and said: 'I have to decide what I want to do in my life.
'If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not - many things.'
Ex-Everton midfielder Carsley will take charge of upcoming games against Finland and the Republic of Ireland, whom he featured for at the 2002 World Cup. The FA revealed that the decision could see him continue throughout the autumn.
Ashley Cole is in line to assist the interim England head coach for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
Carsley delivered England's first piece of men's international silverware for 39 years when guiding the Young Lions to winning the Euros in Georgia a year ago.
He achieved that with a tactical style that drew huge plaudits and will now be given the opportunity to audition for the seat vacated by Southgate. Given his coaching pedigree, it offers the FA time to evaluate their options.
The likes of Harvey Elliott and Rico Lewis have spoken glowingly about the 50-year-old over the summer, while Newcastle's Anthony Gordon has said he is the best manager he's ever worked under.
FA technical director John McDermott fought hard to keep Carsley in the wake of the European Championship success amid clubs in England, and the Republic of Ireland, attempting to lure him away from England set-up.
Carsley met with FAI executives last year but opted to stay put and has been rewarded with a chance to impress as No 1.
'It's an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis,' he said. 'As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process of recruiting a new manager.
Players including Harvey Elliott (right) have spoken glowingly about the 50-year-old (left) over the summer
Ashley Cole is in line to assist the interim England head coach for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches
FA technical director John McDermott fought hard to keep Carsley in the wake of the European Championship success
'My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.'
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added: 'Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level.
'He offers us a very strong interim solution and we are confident he will perform well in the UEFA Nations League games ahead. We are grateful to Lee for stepping up to manage the team while we continue with our recruitment process.'