The FA now have a new plan that does not include Eddie Howe leaving Newcastle for England

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The FA are considering who to appoint as Gareth Southgate’s successor as England manager, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is in the conversation.

That is a testament to his work at Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe massively enhancing his reputation since his arrival at St James’ Park. From Premier League survival to the Champions League, it has been quite the tenure on Tyneside for Howe.

And there are fears that it is a tenure that could end this summer. The FA are interested in Eddie Howe being the next England manager, following news of Gareth Southgate’s departure.

Howe is the manager who has been the most heavily linked this week, with pundits such as Jamie Carragher backing him to replace Southgate.

But Newcastle are eager to fend off any interest from the FA, while they might have another plan for the England job that does not include Howe.

The FA’s alternative to Eddie Howe

While the FA are admirers of Howe, he is not the only Premier League manager that they are keen on.

According to the Independent, Pep Guardiola is a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.

They report that the FA would be willing to wait until the end of next season, which is when it is rumoured that Guardiola could leave Manchester City. The Independent add that there would be an interim boss until the summer of 2025 if that possibility became a reality.

Appointing Pep Guardiola would help Newcastle in multiple ways

It seems rather fanciful, and it would be rather bold of England to wait for Guardiola to make a decision over his Man City future. It could lead to a rather embarrassing situation if the Premier League champion decides against becoming England manager.

But that embarrassment will not concern Toon fans if it means Eddie Howe remaining at St James’ Park this summer.

Newcastle’s new priority is to keep Howe, at a time when the new season is less than five weeks away. Pre-season has already begun, and losing Howe now would really damage the Magpies’ preparations.

But that may no longer be a concern if the FA decide that they want to wait for Guardiola. It would be to the benefit of Newcastle, with supporters desperate for Howe to stay.

Appointing Guardiola in 2025 could also boost the Magpies’ Premier League aspirations. Man City are an unstoppable juggernaut under Guardiola, at a time when PIF want Newcastle United to get to the top.

That feels so unattainable right now, but the route to top spot would be much clearer if the team in first place is no longer led by the best manager in the world.

England appointing Guardiola as Southgate’s replacement could help Newcastle in the short-term and the long-term. However, the FA’s plan does seem fanciful at this moment in time.