The Football Association has made Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe a ‘leading contender’ to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss, according to reports.
Southgate announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as England manager after 102 games and eight years in charge of the national side, saying in a statement that ‘it’s time for change, and for a new chapter’.
The FA has just over seven weeks to appoint a full-time successor for Southgate ahead of England’s Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.
Graham Potter, who was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, is the early favourite with the bookmakers to replace Southgate.
However, The Times reports that Howe is a leading name on the FA’s shortlist of candidates and is of ‘serious interest’.
Howe’s current contract with Newcastle includes a £5 million release clause and the newspaper reports that there is belief that an agreement could be reached with the Premier League club.
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S ENGLAND STATEMENT
‘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,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘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.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
‘I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.’
Southgate added: ‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
‘I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
Howe has already made it clear that he would listen to an offer from England if it ever came his way.
‘The England job is the ultimate, I would never say no,’ Howe said in 2016 when he was manager of Bournemouth.
When asked about the England job again in 2022, Howe said: ‘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. It is all Newcastle and trying to make this team better.’
NEXT ENGLAND MANAGER ODDS
Graham Potter:
Eddie Howe:
Lee Carsley:
Thomas Tuchel:
Mauricio Pochettino:
Jurgen Klopp:
Ralf Rangnick:
Frank Lampard, Pep Guardiola:
Jose Mourinho:
Michael Carrick:
Sean Dyche, Gary O’Neil:
Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, David Moyes, Steve Cooper, Steve Holland, Wayne Rooney, Sarina Wiegman, Ange Postecoglou:
Odds via
The FA is also said to be considering Potter and Lee Carsley, who is the current manager of England’s Under-21s and guided the team to victory at the European Under-21 Championship last summer.
Elsewhere, MailOnline reports that the FA has not ruled out the idea of bringing in another foreign coach to replace Southgate.
Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are currently both available after leaving Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the end of last season.
Jurgen Klopp has also been described by pundits as an ideal successor for Southgate, however, the former Liverpool manager made it clear that he is keen to have a year off after leaving Anfield.
Frank Lampard is another option for England and is currently available. The former Chelsea midfielder impressed as a pundit for the BBC during Euro 2024 and Gary Lineker suggested that the 46-year-old should be considered by the FA.
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