Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United future is very much up in the air, as the FA ponder who they want to be the next England manager.
After defeat in the Euro 2024 final, it was announced that Gareth Southgate would be stepping down as England manager. Kieran Trippier paid tribute to Southgate, as the FA stepped up their search for his successor.
It has been reported that Eddie Howe is a contender for the England job, which comes as no surprise. He is the best English manager around, having massively enhanced his reputation since arriving at Newcastle United.
But will he leave Newcastle United? Darren Eales is hoping that Howe will stay, and has stated that the 46-year-old actually signed a new contract with the Magpies last year – one that does not include a release clause.
FA identify Eddie Howe as their ‘leading candidate’
While that strengthens Newcastle’s position, Howe is still very much on the FA’s radar.
That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about who is contention to be the next England manager.
“Eddie Howe is the leading candidate, he really is,” he said.
“The FA have been doing their due diligence on this. They’ve believed this has been coming for a long time. When Gareth Southgate did not sign his new deal, they were working to the premise that he was leaving.
“They have been doing their work on who they like, background checks, touching base with people. My understanding was that it was Howe, Lee Carsley and Graham Potter emerging as strong candidates. They stood out, Howe being the main one.”
Howe ‘open’ to leaving Newcastle United for England
Unsurprisingly, the FA are interested in Howe. But will they be able to tempt him away from St James’ Park?
That is the fear, and Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he believes Howe is ‘open’ to the possibility of replacing Southgate.
“Howe is committed to the Newcastle project, and we have seen Darren Eales talk about wanting him to stay – we wouldn’t expect him to say anything different.
“My understanding is that Howe would be open to becoming the England manager. That does not mean he is going to take it or that he will leave Newcastle United – he’s just open to it.
“He is settled in the North East, but he is from the South West. He and his family are a long way from home.”
World Cup opportunity for Eddie Howe
In truth, it would be a surprise if Howe was not open to the prospect of becoming England manager. It is the top job in the country, at a time when England have some of the best players in the world.
When the 2026 World Cup arrives, England should go into it as a contender to go the distance. And with the FA circling, Howe could be the man to bring football home.
And Bailey believes that the World Cup will come into Howe’s thinking if he is presented with the opportunity to leave Newcastle United and become England manager.
“It’s a fascinating opportunity for him, with the World Cup only two years away. In my opinion, anyone offered the chance to work with this England squad… he might not have a crop of players like this again.
“I can see why he would be seriously considering this. I think Howe lends himself to international management with his man management skills, I really do. There’s only Eddie who can tell us, but I think it is his to turn down. I think he will give it serious consideration.
“If I was Howe, I would ask myself if I can win the World Cup with this England squad. If the answer is ‘yes’ then it is hard to turn down.”
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