Eddie Howe's thoughts on England job are crystal clear as Gareth Southgate quits (original) (raw)

While Eddie Howe will be towards the top of the list in terms of English FA recruitment for the vacant England job, the Newcastle United manager looks to be content in the north east

Howe's stance on becoming the next England manager

Eddie Howe is reported to be on the Football Association's shortlist of managers to take up the England job, as Gareth Southgate's eight-year reign ends

Despite guiding the Three Lions to the final of the European Championships for two consecutive tournaments, 53-year-old Southgate has resigned from his post as England manager. The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender took the reigns of the national team in 2016, succeeding Sam Allardyce's infamous 67-day stint.

Southgate would lead the nation to the Euro 2020 against Italy, narrowly missing out 3-2 on penalties when a 1-1 game couldn't be separated after extra time. And on Sunday, the tactician suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in the Euro 2024 final - a finish from Mikel Oyarzabal clinching the nation's fourth European Championship to date, leaving England with another round of runners-up medals for their hard work.

The tournament would ultimately be Southgate's last at the helm, with the gaffer stepping down from his position just two days later. As part of his parting statement on Tuesday, he revealed: "As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.

"But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager." Several top-tier managers at club level are now in the running to become England's new manager - a man who will hopefully guide the Three Lions to their first World Cup since 1966 in 2026's edition of the tournament.

And while Newcastle United man Howe is reportedly at the top of the list of favoured managers to fill Southgate's shoes, the 46-year-old seems content in the north east. He has also previously made his stance clear on the England job while managing at club level - citing how his commitment to his team is too strong to have his head turned.

Southgate has walked away from England (

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PA)

In the wake of Allardyce's resignation in 2016, while committed to AFC Bournemouth, Howe revealed: "I've said in many interviews that the England job is the ultimate job, but I've signed players here and pledged a future to them. But - and this is all hypothetically speaking - I couldn't turn my back on this club and the loyalty shown to me. I have to show it in return."

Howe signed a new contract for Newcastle United in 2022, guiding his club to a fourth-place Premier League finish in the 2022/23 campaign while also guaranteeing Champions League football on Tyneside in 2023/24. There are several factors at play should England wish to turn Howe's head to international football too.

The club are well protected with a buyout clause of £5million on Howe's head should he choose to favour his country over his club, and the manager would likely take a severe pay cut should he choose to take the leap and work towards England's greatness. Should a deal between Newcastle and the English FA fail to come to fruition, there are a number of other frontrunners in the draw to become the new manager of England.

Howe seems committed to his club (

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Getty Images)

Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been waiting in the wings for a new opportunity since 2023, while England U21 manager Lee Carsley could also see his hard work at youth level recognised. Elsewhere, the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and even Jurgen Klopp have received honourable mentions as England look to replace potentially one of their most successful managers of all time.

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The Three Lions are through to the final of the Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits.