Pep Guardiola should be the next England manager, according to Chris Waddle.
Guardiola is entering the final year of his contract as Manchester City boss, with the Spaniard having transformed the Sky Blues into a powerhouse who have won several Premier League titles as well as several FA Cups and Carabao Cups, and the Champions League title in 2023.
It's fair to say Guardiola's tenure at the Etihad Stadium has been a rousing success, and with his future past June 2025 unclear Waddle believes the FA should initiate talks with the 53-year-old now.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who will offer early payout on Euro 2024 matches this summer, former England international Waddle explained why it's important to get discussions going with Guardiola early, and he listed a pair of domestic alternatives should the FA not be able to entice the Man City manager to take over the Three Lions.
"There is a lot of talk about Guardiola leaving after this year, does he know that Manchester City are going to get relegated?" Waddle said. "It's weird that he has come out and said he will have one more year, but I have heard he wants an international job at a side with potential.
"There's your job; if I was the FA, I would be making sure to speak to him right now. I'd be on the phone to his representatives, asking if he would like to be the next England manager after Gareth Southgate. You're not going to get a better manager than him.
"If not him, then you start to look at the likes of Eddie Howe, or Graham Potter. There isn't a lot of international experience, and England need a manager who is going to come in and tell the FA to let them manage their own way. Someone like Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp would definitely get the best out of England.
"I like Gareth and I think he has done a great job, but if he is going to leave then you have to go for the best, and not think about what could be. Go for someone who is proven."
Live on DAZN: Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois on Sept. 21. Click here for details.