PEP GUARDIOLA has been tipped to transform England’s squad if he became manager – starting by bringing in two uncapped keepers.
Manchester City‘s Treble-winning chief is rated the FA’s dream choice as successor, should current boss Gareth Southgate depart after the Euros.
Jason Steele only became Brighton first-choice No 1 in January this yearAlamy
Burnley’s summer recruit James Trafford has played 16 times for England U-21s but has yet to win a senior capRex
Pep Guardiola prefers keepers with excellent ball skills such as Man City’s EdersonRichard Pelham / The Sun
And Guardiola would then be expected to re-shape England’s playing style – into the passing game he’s enjoyed so much success with at the Etihad, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Ex-Three Lions stopper Ben Foster believes that could mean call-ups for Brighton’s Jason Steele and Burnley new boy James Trafford.
Both keepers are comfortable with the ball at their feet – like City’s Ederson.
Steele, 31, has only been a Seagulls regular since January this year, with former No 1 Robert Sanchez later moving to Chelsea.
And Trafford, 21, is in his first Premier League season after switching from the Etihad to the newly-promoted Clarets in the summer.
Ex-Manchester United and West Brom man Foster said on his Fozcast podcast: “I think if we had Pep Guardiola as England manager, we would win tournaments.
“He could pick anybody. I think he could pick Steele at Brighton or Trafford at Burnley, genuinely. He would completely change it.”
Southgate has stuck with Everton‘s Jordan Pickford as first-choice keeper, with Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone the established back-ups.
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But Foster, 40, added: “Have you seen the way Steele does it for Brighton, by the way? It’s outrageous.
“That’s the style of play he wants to go with. That’s interesting, isn’t it? That is a can of worms.”
The Mail claim Guardiola is England’s top pick as replacement if Southgate decides to bow out after next summer’s tournament.