What Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has Already Said About Taking the England Job
Eddie Howe, the highly regarded Newcastle United manager, has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the prestigious England manager position.
With Gareth Southgate stepping down after an eight-year tenure, the Football Association (FA) faces the urgent task of appointing a new manager before England’s upcoming Nations League matches in September.
Howe’s name has been linked with the England job before. Back in 2016, while managing Bournemouth, he was considered a strong contender for the role. In the aftermath of Euro 2016, when Southgate was still serving as interim manager, Howe expressed his ambition, stating, “The England job is the ultimate, I would never say no.”
Since taking over as Newcastle United’s manager in 2021, Howe has led the club to remarkable success.
Under his leadership, Newcastle secured a Champions League finish in the 2022-23 season, showcasing his managerial prowess and strategic acumen. Despite his achievements at the club level, Howe’s aspirations for the national team have never faded
Although Howe has distanced himself from the England job in recent years out of respect for Southgate and his staff, his passion for the role remains evident.
Following the 2022 World Cup, Howe stated, “I never say never, never say no, it won’t be something I am interested in. But in the short term it is not on my radar at all.” Now, with Southgate’s departure, the opportunity to manage England has become a significant consideration for Howe.
Quoted in the Sun, he revealed how as a kid he would play football in the garden pretending to be Gary Lineker, who won the Golden Boot in that tournament. That burning passion remains:
“I was very passionate and still am about my country and England doing well.”
For Howe, the prospect of managing the national team presents unique challenges. Unlike club management, the England job involves less day-to-day coaching, something Howe deeply values.
He has previously expressed his love for daily training and interaction with players, saying, “I have always said I love day-to-day coaching, love being with the players on the training ground, with international football you get that taken away for long periods. At this moment in my life, that is not something I want to do.”
| Eddie Howe’s Managerial Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| Bournemouth: 2008-2011 | 102 | 51 | 17 | 34 |
| Burnley: 2011-2012 | 86 | 35 | 17 | 34 |
| Bournemouth: 2012-2020 | 355 | 144 | 75 | 136 |
| Newcastle: 2021-present | 125 | 62 | 27 | 36 |
Howe’s deep-rooted passion for English football makes him an ideal candidate for the national team. Growing up, he idolized England’s football legends and dreamt of representing his country. This passion, combined with his managerial experience at both the lower leagues and the Champions League, makes him uniquely qualified for the role.
Newcastle United is keen on retaining Howe, emphasizing his importance to the club’s ongoing success. The speculation surrounding his potential departure to manage England is undoubtedly a distraction for both Howe and the club. The FA would need to pay £5 million in compensation to Newcastle, a testament to Howe’s value.
At 46, Howe is at the perfect age to take on the England job. His managerial journey from Bournemouth, where he saved the club from relegation to the National League, to leading Newcastle in the Champions League, showcases his ability to achieve results across different levels of competition.
This aligns well with the FA’s requirement for a manager who can represent the entire English football pyramid.
The speculation about Eddie Howe’s potential appointment as England manager places him at a crossroads in his career. While he remains committed to Newcastle United, the allure of managing the national team is a rare and prestigious opportunity.
As the FA deliberates on their next move, Howe’s focus and dedication will be put to the test. Whether he continues to lead Newcastle to greater heights or takes on the challenge of guiding England, Howe’s impact on English football is undeniable.
