Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emphatically dismissed rumors linking him to the vacant England head coach position, reaffirming his dedication to the club. Howe’s comments come following the departure of Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after England’s second consecutive European Championship final defeat.
While Howe is reportedly among the frontrunners for the England job alongside former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, he remains focused on his current role at Newcastle. “Really, there has been no thought in my mind on anything else and I have been very committed to the job here,” Howe told BBC Radio from Newcastle’s training camp in Germany. “For me, as long as I am happy and feel supported and feel free to do the work that I love to do at Newcastle, I’ll be very happy – and I am very happy.”
The FA publicly advertised the head coach position on Friday, outlining the required qualifications for the role. The job description emphasizes the need for a coach with significant experience in English football and a proven track record of success, particularly in the Premier League or international competitions. The candidate must also be able to guide England to victory in a major tournament, a feat that has eluded the team since the 1966 World Cup. The FA has set a deadline of August 2 for applications before the Nations League commences in September.
Despite the potential allure of the England job, Howe’s statement reveals his unwavering commitment to Newcastle. He expressed his desire to achieve lasting success with the club, stating, “I’m absolutely honoured and privileged to be manager of Newcastle. I hope that is for many, many years. I am determined to win a trophy for the football club – that is in my psyche every day.”