Guardiola and Klopp would find the position of England manager boring

Glen Johnson, former England international who played for Chelsea and Liverpool, ruled out on Wednesday the possibility of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp succeeding Gareth Southgate as England manager.

He believes that both the Manchester City coach and the former German rival, currently without a club after leaving Liverpool, would find the job "boring."

"I can't see either of them becoming the England manager. They both wear their hearts on their sleeves, are super passionate, and, in the end, I believe they would both find the job a bit boring. It's clear that they both enjoy the daily work that comes with managing clubs, and that's something they wouldn't have at the international level," the former right-back commented in an interview with the betting site "Betfred."

In this regard, Johnson pointed to former national teammates Steven Gerrard (currently coaching Saudi side Al Ettifaq) and Frank Lampard (currently a free agent) as much more likely candidates to take over the reins of the England national team, which was defeated in the last two European Championship finals, most recently by Spain in Euro 2024.

"It would obviously be quite a significant leap for either of them, as they are still in the early stages of their coaching careers, but sometimes you have to take a chance. I'm sure the players would love to be coached by them, and sometimes you have to take risks. If Lampard or Gerrard were to become England managers, I believe the fans would love it," he concluded.

Johnson's comments reflect the broader debate within English football regarding the future leadership of the national team. With Gareth Southgate's tenure possibly nearing its end, speculation about potential successors has intensified. The notion of having former star players like Gerrard and Lampard at the helm brings a mix of excitement and concern, given their relative inexperience at the highest levels of coaching.

Steven Gerrard, who has taken on the challenge of coaching Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, has been gaining valuable experience abroad. His tenure at Rangers, where he led the team to a Scottish Premiership title, demonstrated his potential as a manager. However, the transition to international football would be a significant step up, demanding a different set of skills and strategies.

Frank Lampard, meanwhile, remains a free agent after his recent stint at Chelsea. Lampard's managerial career has had its ups and downs, but his understanding of the game and his connection with the current generation of players could prove beneficial. His potential appointment would undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm from fans who remember his contributions as a player.

The England managerial role, while prestigious, comes with immense pressure and scrutiny. The next manager will need to navigate the expectations of a football-passionate nation and build on the foundations laid by Southgate. The recent near-misses in European Championship finals underline the potential within the squad but also highlight the need for a leader who can take them one step further.

Ultimately, Johnson's perspective adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing conversation about the future of England's national team management. Whether it will be a seasoned tactician like Guardiola or Klopp, or a former England star like Gerrard or Lampard, the decision will shape the direction of English football in the coming years. The football community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this unfolding story.