Eddie Howe has revealed that he was never in the running to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The Newcastle United boss explained he was not one of the ten candidates who were reportedly interviewed by the Football Association.
On Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel was unveiled as the new Three Lions head coach during a press conference at Wembley Stadium.
Tuchel was in charge of Chelsea between 2021-2022. During his tenure, the Blues won three trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
Now, the German gaffer will be tasked with delivering FIFA World Cup glory in 2026. Something of which many neutrals feel Howe would have been better suited to achieve.
⚪️⚫️ Eddie Howe: “I never had any contact from the FA for the England job”.
“For me it’s about Newcastle as I remain 100% focused. If you drop focus the job becomes impossible”. pic.twitter.com/1KcehIr1zD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2024
Eddie Howe Was Not Interviewed For The England Job
Ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash against Brighton, Eddie Howe was quizzed about the England job. In particular if he was spoken to by the Football Association.
“I was not. There was no contact from the FA. England have to do what is right for them. Only they will know the processes they have gone through. For me it is about Newcastle. I remain 100 per cent focused to my work, if you drop focus the job becomes impossible.”
Howe went on to elaborate about how he feels the prestigious position should be held by an Englishman. And that there were certainly viable options available.
“Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them. They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.”
Howe may not have been considered this time around but many would like to see him given the opportunity in the future. And Howe believes it’s a role that would excite him.
“I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do, maybe one day, if given the opportunity. For me as kid I loved World Cups. I loved European Championships. I was obsessed with England trying to win something.”
For now, Howe expressed how he is fully focused on the Newcastle job. Ahead of their matchday 8 clash against Brighton, the best football betting sites in the UK price the Magpies at 21/20 to win.
