With Gareth Southgate’s contract set to expire this year, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been linked with becoming the new England manager.
Eddie Howe has been in the England frame for a long time, and speculation that he could be the next Three Lions boss has only intensified during his success with Newcastle United.
The 46-year-old has massively enhanced his reputation since arriving at St James’ Park, and that has caught the attention of the FA.
It was reported last month that Howe is England’s top target if Gareth Southgate leaves after the Euros, and that looked extremely likely when the Three Lions started the tournament in such underwhelming fashion.
Gareth Southgate guides England to Euro 2024 final
Yet somehow England are now in the final. Southgate has guided England to a second consecutive European Championship final, with his side set to face Spain on Sunday.
Newcastle United players Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon have the chance to immortalise themselves, as England go in search of their first trophy since 1966.
Public perception of Southgate has slightly changed in recent days. The England boss was receiving a lot of criticism at the start of the tournament, but that has subsided after the dramatic win over Netherlands. His substitutions made the difference, as Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins combined to give England victory in the 90th minute.
What the FA want Gareth Southgate to do
Now England are preparing for another final, and it might not end up being Southgate’s last game in charge after all.
According to the Telegraph, the FA now want Southgate to continue as England manager. They want him to sign a new contract and manage the team at the 2026 World Cup.
And that is the case no matter what happens in Berlin on Sunday. Whether they win or lose the final, the FA want Southgate to extend his stint as Three Lions manager.
His current deal expires in December, and talks over his future have been put on hold until after the Euros.
Good news for Newcastle United amid a summer of change
Whether or not Southgate wants to stay on remains to be seen, but him continuing as England manager would be great news for Newcastle United.
That would mean that the FA do not come calling for Howe, who has just started his pre-season preparations for the 2024/25 campaign with the Magpies.
There has already been so much change at St James’ Park this summer. The likes of Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie have departed, while a new sporting director in Paul Mitchell has been appointed.
Those comings and goings have been followed by news that Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are leaving.
It is sad to see that the couple are no longer part of Newcastle United, and it would be even more devastating if Howe left. Of course, he might not accept an England offer if it came his way, but it would be massively tempting.
However, the FA will not have to make Howe an offer if they get their way. Whether football comes home on Sunday or not, they want Southgate to continue as England manager. Only time will tell if they get their wish.
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