Gary Neville has given an interesting verdict on what Eddie Howe should do with regards to leaving Newcastle United to become the England manager.
The Magpies boss is currently a target for the FA, who are continuing to ponder who to appoint as Gareth Southgate’s successor for the England job.
Eddie Howe has been linked with the England job, which is no surprise given the fact he is English and has severely enhanced his reputation during his time as Newcastle United boss.
There is also the added complication of the behind the scenes situation at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell having issues.
There has been tension between the two Newcastle chiefs, although it has been reported that Howe and Mitchell have held fresh talks that have been productive.
Gary Neville sends message to Eddie Howe about Newcastle and England
On the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott have debated the current situation at Newcastle United, and how it could play into the FA’s interest in Eddie Howe.
It has even been suggested that Howe should push for the England job if his relationship with Mitchell becomes broken beyond repair.
And, in the eyes of Gary Neville, Howe should look after himself and take the England job if it comes his way.
“If I was Eddie Howe, I would go and look after myself,” he said.
“You’ve had a great Premier League career, you’ve done a brilliant job. You’ve been fantastic at Newcastle. You’ve almost closed that chapter of their development.
“England are in a great position with players. You’re going to be working with amazing players. The next step up in Eddie’s career would be England. It’s difficult to get a Chelsea job, or Man United or Liverpool. He’ll know that. He might get Tottenham at some point in the future.
“My point is for Eddie, it’s difficult… to win with England, you’d have a chance of getting one of those top jobs. I think it’s his next step up, and I think he would take that job. He’s got to be proactive and not wait for other people to determine his outcome.”
Eddie Howe’s focus should be Newcastle United
The main issue I have with what Gary Neville has said about the England job being the next step towards a bigger club job is why does he need to make that step? It slightly discredits his role at Newcastle United, and insinuates that he has achieved all he can on Tyneside.
That certainly will not be how Howe feels. He joined Newcastle United to be part of PIF’s project, and their ambition has always been to get to the top. Howe will want to be part of that journey for as long as possible.
As it stands, the England job has not been offered to him, and it remains to be seen who the FA’s top target is going to be. They might opt to promote from within and give Lee Carsley the job on a permanent basis.
It has also been reported that Howe does not currently want to leave Newcastle to become England manager.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
