FA line up Mauricio Pochettino showdown as search continues for next England boss
England are searching for their next permanent manager, but are also looking to tie down their fixtures for next season with the delayed World Cup draw causing problems
by John Cross · The MirrorEngland could play an end-of-season friendly in the United States.
The Football Association will consider a high-profile friendly next June which could put them up against USA boss Mauricio Pochettino. Final details have not been agreed over potential opponents - the US have not been confirmed - or which city the game would take place because of the complicated international calendar in 2025.
But there is a strong possibility that it could happen between June 2 and 10 where there is an international window. It could even be one of the first games for England’s new permanent manager depending on when any candidate could be installed.
The World Cup is being played in the United States, Canada and Mexico and it would be a good warm-up and preparation for England. It would, however, be another potential fixture headache for Premier League clubs who want their players to get a summer break and cut back on traveling.
Chelsea and Manchester City are also scheduled to take part in next summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. A potential friendly with England would be a huge lure for the United States because of big-name Premier League stars.
Next year’s international calendar is hugely complicated because the World Cup draw is not being done until Friday, December 13, in Geneva. Nations will discover then the size of their qualifying Groups and if England get fewer fixtures then they may be able to get in a high-profile friendly next June.
Furthermore, England may also be involved in Nations League play-off games with another international window scheduled for March 17 to 25 for either World Cup qualifiers or Nations League fixtures.
Therefore, no decision has yet been taken on a US friendly but it is a strong possibility and the FA are likely to be open to the idea. Currently the FA's priority is the search for a new permanent manager.
Pep Guardiola has emerged as a dream candidate to be the next boss. The FA have sounded out Guardiola about taking charge when his current £18m-a-year contract at Manchester City expires next summer.
The FA also have former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, a Champions League winner, on their shortlist and it is understood that discreet enquiries have been made to a number of candidates.
Interim boss Lee Carsley has also refused to rule himself out of the running but it would appear the FA are now moving in a different direction. Carsley is expected to return to his job as England under-21s boss once the FA have made a permanent appointment.
But if they end up going for a manager currently in a job there is a chance Carsley will stay on until they are free to take charge. Guardiola would be a hugely popular choice with fans but there are many hurdles to overcome.
The FA have been sounding out candidates since Gareth Southgate quit after the Euros in July and Guardiola is expected to give an answer in the coming weeks. City desperately want Guardiola to stay and the Catalan may also decide he wants a break after what will be nine years in charge come next summer.
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