Pep Guardiola reportedly had a verbal agreement to take over as England head coach in 2024, before reversing his decision to remain at Man City.According to the Athletic, Guardiola had been the Football Association’s first target when it sought an elite coach to succeed Gareth Southgate.Daily Mail Sport had reported in the summer of 2024 that Guardiola was expected to call time on his illustrious spell in charge at the end of this season, with a changing of the guard deemed highly likely by those close to him.Senior figures at Man City had been tentatively discussing succession planning, with Guardiola having received contact from the FA about the England job in July.Friends of Guardiola had been left with the impression that the possibility of replacing Gareth Southgate was something he was seriously considering.The Athletic reported that Guardiola had agreed to take charge of the Three Lions, but then decided to renew his Man City contract. Pep Guardiola reportedly had a verbal agreement to become England boss in 2024 before U-turning and signing a new deal with Man City Guardiola was reportedly the FA’s first choice but turned to Thomas Tuchel after the Spaniard’s U-turnThis led to the FA turning to Tuchel, who was officially announced as England manager in October 2024.Guardiola’s two-year contract extension at Man City was confirmed just one month later.The Spaniard ended his illustrious Man City reign at the end of last season, bringing an end to a decade-long spell in charge of the club.Guardiola has previously spoken of his desire to move into international management in the future.’I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that,’ Guardiola said in 2024.’I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.’Daily Mail Sport understands Tuchel retains the backing of the FA despite England’s disappointing World Cup exit to Argentina in the semi-finals this week.The Three Lions boss has come in for heavy criticism after his side conceded twice late on to go out to old rivals Argentina in Atlanta. Tuchel’s England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final Tuchel has come under fire for defensive substitutions in the defeat, but is understood to retain the backing of the FAEngland had taken the lead via Anthony Gordon but succumbed after a series of game-changing defensive substitutions saw the initiative handed over to their gleeful opponents, who progressed to the final thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez.Some have even questioned whether the German, who has a contract to lead England at the Euros, now faces a fight to save his job given the circumstances of what was an incredibly painful defeat.However, it is understood that the FA retains full confidence in the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss, and he will continue in the role should he wish to do so.Following the gut-wrenching loss, Tuchel accepted responsibility for the loss and declared ‘no regrets’. He also reasserted his desire to lead England into the Euros in two years’ time having extended his contract in February. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham did not mention Tuchel’s contract in his post-match comments, however he is understood to remain fully behind the head coach.’It is heartbreaking to be so close,’ Bullingham said. ‘The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.’I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. ‘We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.’