How England would line up under Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

England are on the hunt for a new manager to replace Gareth Southgate, and if they want the best of the best, then they should look no further than Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan has taken English football by storm over the last few years, transforming City into the most feared outfit in the Premier League. He's enjoyed immense success with the Etihad side - an attribute that the FA are desperate to bring to the England national team.

If he is to be named as England boss, here's how Guardiola may line up the squad.

Pickford remains between the sticks / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

No matter who is at the helm for England, there is no better goalkeeper choice than Jordan Pickford.

His crucial saves have kept England in games on numerous occasions and his ability to command the backline is hard to overlook. Pickford isn't the type of goalkeeper that Guardiola usually favours, with the Manchester City boss often keen on keepers that can play more with their feet.

We wouldn't want another Joe Hart situation, but this is the man needed between the sticks.

CB: Kyle Walker

Guardiola could reignite Walker / Etsuo Hara/GettyImages

At Euro 2024 Kyle Walker often looked a little flat, but if Guardiola is unable to reignite his fire, no one can.

Under Guardiola, Walker has been one of the very best defenders in Europe over the past number of years. With his guidance at international level, he could get back to his very best with the Three Lions.

CB: Marc Guehi

Guehi has earned his spot / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi showed the world why he deserved a place in the England squad in Germany, arguably being one of the team's best players throughout the tournament.

His ability to work in a three-man defence would be appealing to Guardiola, while his leadership skills are also a stand-out attribute. By the time the 2026 World Cup arrives, Guehi would have even more experience, making him an obvious choice in this role.

CB: Levi Colwill

Guardiola would select Colwill / Nigel French/Allstar/GettyImages

Chelsea man Levi Colwill may not have featured in Germany under Southgate, but with Guardiola he could be a stand-out performer. Fans have been begging for a left-footed star in the England defender - here is the solution.

His confidence on the ball would be a major plus for the team, as would his ability to drive forward in possession too. Guardiola would put a lot of confidence in a player like Colwill, who deserves his chance to shine in the senior team.

DM: John Stones

Stones would star for England / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

John Stones has been key to Guardiola's plans for a while, so he would absolutely be a key figure in his England team too.

Stones' spot in the squad has never really been in doubt anyway, but under Guardiola he could play a more complex role - like he does for his club. His ability to play in an advanced role could prove crucial to England as they aim to introduce more a more controlled style of play.

DM: Declan Rice

Rice remains in the squad / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Declan Rice's position in the England starting XI isn't up for debate.

Rice's efforts can actually sometimes go unnoticed, but his ability to carry the ball and free up other players makes him an important cog in the England system.

It's actually who partners Rice in midfield that has become more of a question than whether the Arsenal man himself demands a spot in the team.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Saka has been a star for England / Richard Pelham/GettyImages

Versatile Bukayo Saka makes up the first part of the midfield attack.

He's dangerous on the right-flank and is capable of creating chances for himself and his teammates. When he's given the freedom to move infield, Saka can become unstoppable.

The technically gifted winger would thrive in this system.

AM: Phil Foden

Foden thrives under Pep / ANP/GettyImages

Phil Foden struggled under Gareth Southgate in Germany, but under Guardiola this man thrives.

In this system Foden would be able to occupy the same role that he does for City, putting an end to claims that he cannot function away from the Premier League outfit. He was regarded the best player in England's top flight during the 2023/24 campaign, and Guardiola would no doubt be able to unlock this version of Foden on the international stage also.

AM: Jude Bellingham

Bellingham needs a coach like Pep / Stu Forster/GettyImages

A player like Jude Bellingham could be incredible under Pep Guardiola. He's capable of playing dynamically and can slot into any advanced position on the field - it's no surprise the Real Madrid star had been previously linked with a move to City.

He's still early in his footballing career and the ability to be coached by someone like the Catalan would be hugely benificial for the number ten's progression.

Gordon could start on the left / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Anthony Gordon wasn't really given much time to shine in Germany, but the Newcastle star is capable of becoming a key player for the Three Lions.

Guardiola has previously revealed his fondness for Gordon and a player of his calibre would work well in Pep's system. He's one of the nation's most dangerous players on the left and remains one of the strongest options on that side of the pitch.

ST: Harry Kane

Kane remains at the front / Richard Pelham/GettyImages

Harry Kane is a constant for England - and he would remain that way even if Guardiola was to take over.

Guardiola knows the talent that Kane possesses, and would actually be able to ensure his club goalscoring records transfer over onto the international stage.

Kane has yet to win a senior trophy, but under Guardiola the Bayern Munich star could be given his first chance.