Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is still a contender for the England job.
The Three Lions enjoyed a very successful international break, with interim manager Lee Carsley recording two 2-0 wins against Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Carsley gave some new players a chance, while Anthony Gordon was very impressive for England after a disappointing Euros.
Overall, it was a fruitful England camp, and one that has strengthened Carsley’s claim to be Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor.
That would be music to the ears of Newcastle United fans, as it would mean that Eddie Howe remains at St James’ Park.
The FA’s next step as interest in Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe continues
But while Carsley has made himself a more appealing option to be the next England manager, it certainly is not a one horse race at this moment in time.
According to the Daily Mail, the FA are now going to start speaking to external candidates about replacing Gareth Southgate as the permanent England manager.
They report that the FA have spoken to multiple candidates about the England job, and that Eddie Howe is someone who they have shown an interest in. They would have to pay Newcastle more than £5million in compensation to get Howe, which may or may not be an issue for the FA.
Graham Potter is also mentioned as a target, with the former Chelsea boss currently a free agent.
Eddie Howe speculation would have intensified if England had struggled under Carsley
Newcastle United fans will be extremely grateful that Carsley did so well during his first two games as interim England manager.
He picked up two wins without much fuss, with the Three Lions seemingly playing with a bit more freedom. It was a far cry from the Euros, where Southgate’s side struggled to show any sense of creativity and flair.
It was nothing ground-breaking by Carsley, but it was enough to strengthen his case to be the next England manager.
And that is good news for Newcastle, as the club will be desperate to keep Howe. And you just know that the speculation over his future would have intensified had Carsley struggled in the Nations League.
The international break came at a time when there was tension behind the scenes at St James’ Park, following a failed summer transfer window and a rather controversial interview with sporting director Paul Mitchell.
Had that coincided with England struggling, the Howe exit rumours would have wrote themselves.
Instead, Howe is getting ready for his Newcastle team to take on Wolves, while the case to name Lee Carsley as the next permanent England manger grows stronger.
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