Thomas Tuchel’s England appointment can only be seen as a positive for Man City - and Pep Guardiola

So there is it. England have an elite-level manager for the first time since… well, opinions will vary on that. 

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment by the FA took everyone by surprise, not least Manchester United, who were warming to the idea of the German taking over at Old Trafford. But in a whirlwind few days during what has felt like a whirlwind international break, that’s no longer a possibility.

After Manchester City’s APT verdict, Hugo Viana’s appointment, Erik ten Hag’s stay of execution, England’s mixed fortunes under Lee Carsely and a host of other international games, this weekend’s Premier League fixtures will bring some respite from the non-football news that more and more is continuing to dominate football news.

This week’s helter-skelter story was the vacant England role. On Sunday, Pep Guardiola was vaguely brushing off questions about his interest. By Monday, he looked next in line following widespread reports that the FA had been in contact. But by Tuesday, it was Tuchel’s name being parroted by the national press, before the news was finally confirmed on Wednesday.

That then brings an end to the speculation surrounding Guardiola. Well, not quite. The City boss’ future still remains uncertain with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

He’s avoided being drawn on his plans in recent months, but there’s a growing sense that decision time is looming ever-closer for Guardiola. Tuchel, the England job and the exit of Txiki Begiristain have moved the dial.

In the short-term, Tuchel’s appointment rules out the possibility of Guardiola becoming England manager. But it doesn’t quite draw a line under that particular role, especially with reports recently suggesting the City boss could extend his contract for an additional year.

That would neatly coincide with the end of Tuchel’s 18-month contract. Given Guardiola, the preeminent mind in world football over the last two decades, is seen as the FA’s top choice, a possible appointment in 2026 feels like a distinct possibility.

When Gareth Southgate stepped away from the role last summer, there was a sense of uncertainty over which direction the FA would go, whether they wanted a manager attuned with their inner workings, an elite-level coach or an experienced English manager.

They’ve shown their hand now. “Fundamentally we wanted to hire a coaching team to give us the best possible chance of winning a major tournament,” read the FA’s statement as Tuchel’s appointment was confirmed. When it comes to winning coaches, there’s none better than Guardiola.

And the 53-year-old has already indicated on several occasions that he would like to turn his hand to international management at some point, while earlier this season he referenced his love of English football. Guardiola knows several members of the Three Lions squad and an international role would provide the sort of downtime needed after such an intense spell at the Etihad. Plenty of time for a few rounds of golf.

It all fits nicely, and Guardiola would also be available to help with the transition from Begiristain to Hugo Viana, while he also wouldn’t be walking away amid the ongoing legal issues that are engulfing the club. Who knows how long exactly that will rumble on for.

It may never transpire, but for City, the FA and Guardiola, Tuchel’s 18-month offers the perfect solution.