Pep Guardiola responds to England job speculation

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from reports linking him with the vacant England job.

Gareth Southgate confirmed last month he would stand down as Three Lions boss, bringing an end to a remarkable eight-year spell at the helm. During that time, he led the England men's team to their first-ever European Championship finals, though they were beaten twice in successive tournaments, as well as a first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.

Among the candidates said to be under consideration by the FA is Guardiola, who is entering the final year of his contract at City.

But ahead of the Cityzens' pre-season friendly with Chelsea in the USA, Guardiola insisted he was happy at the Etihad Stadium.

"I am here, I am really pleased. I cannot say anything. I don’t know where it has come from. I am really satisfied here," he said.

“I am desperate for when the players are ready to come back to start to train all together and refresh what we have to do."

Though Guardiola has less than 12 months left to run on his existing City deal, he recently clarified that this doesn't mean his spell at the club is coming to an end and he could yet sign a new contract.

Beyond Guardiola, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also played down talk of replacing Southgate.

Leading candidate Eddie Howe has spoken of his happiness at Newcastle United, though did stress he wanted assurances of his role moving forward if he is to stay at St James' Park.

The other contenders for the England job are believed to be Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Lee Carsley, while Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank have been tipped as outside bets for the gig.

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