England's abject performance in the Nations League defeat to Greece last week dealt a sizeable blow to Lee Carsley's hopes of being made the permanent replacement for ex-manager Gareth Southgate.
And reports on Monday had many fans contemplating the possibility that Pep Guardiola — winner of championships and breaker of records in Spain and Germany as well as England — is high on the FA's wishlist.
Given what has also been reported in recent days, there's a chance that if Pep does indeed decide not to sign a new Manchester City contract and takes charge of the Three Lions after the 2024/25 campaign, next summer could see a huge knock-on effect of managerial changes elsewhere.
Ruben Amorim to Man City?
First, there's the confirmation last week that Hugo Viana would take over as City's football director at the end of the current season, succeeding the outgoing Txiki Begiristain.
That news in turn led to the manager at Viana's current side Sporting CP, Ruben Amorim, rising fast in bookmaker's odds to follow his current director to the Premier League.
You can read more about that here.
Thomas Tuchel to Man United?
Another big name recently linked to the England job is Thomas Tuchel, the German former Chelsea coach.
If the FA went with Guardiola over Tuchel, that could leave the latter to consider the other gig he has been strongly linked with — one not far from City's Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United appointing another manager would of course also hinge on current boss Erik ten Hag being dismissed, but given their start to the current campaign, that does seem like it could happen at any moment.
You can read more about that here.
And then there's the rest...
Man City have been utterly dominant under Guardiola, including a domestic treble, a continental treble including the club's first Champions League title, and they have won an unprecedented four Premier Leagues in a row while gunning to make it five by May.
Should he decide not to extend with the Mancunians — and especially if he steps into the international scene with England next — a number of top coaches will view a move to the Premier League in 2025 as perfect timing over other elite divisions.
Pep's successor will have big shoes to fill, and life at Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson is just one example of how vulnerable a club can be after such a supreme dynasty.
There could be a number of big moves in England — and even beyond the EPL — that are influenced by a potential lack of Guardiola.
MORE: All the latest Man City news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
