Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down an approach from the England national team to become Gareth Southgate’s successor. Southgate’s contract is set to expire in December 2024, potentially making the upcoming European Championship his last tournament in charge. Howe, who has impressed since taking over at Newcastle in 2021, guiding the club to a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, is said to consider the England job to be too soon in his managerial career and would swiftly rule himself out if approached by the Football Association (FA).
The Telegraph reports that Howe is on the FA’s list of potential candidates to replace Southgate next year. However, it seems that Howe believes it is too early for him to take on such a high-profile role. Despite his success at Newcastle, he wants to continue building his managerial career at the club and feels that the England job would be a step too far at this stage.
Speaking in May, Southgate himself hinted that Euro 2024 could be his final competition as England manager, especially if his team fails to win the tournament. He expressed his focus on trying to win the European Championship and stated that discussions about his future as manager are not at the forefront of his mind. Southgate believes that for him to stay on as manager, England will have to perform exceptionally well and go far in the tournament.
It is understandable why Howe would turn down the opportunity to become England manager at this point in his career. While he has achieved great success with Newcastle, managing a national team comes with a different set of challenges and pressures. The England job is one of the most high-profile positions in football, and it requires a manager with extensive experience and a proven track record.
Howe’s decision to stay at Newcastle and continue building his reputation as a club manager is a wise one. He has shown great potential and has already made a significant impact at Newcastle. Guiding the club to a top-four finish and securing Champions League qualification is no small feat. By staying at Newcastle, Howe can further develop his managerial skills and continue to build a successful team.
It is also worth noting that Howe’s decision does not mean he will never consider the England job in the future. At this stage in his career, he believes it is too soon, but as he gains more experience and achieves further success, he may become a more viable candidate for the role. By focusing on his current position at Newcastle, Howe can continue to grow and improve as a manager, making him an even stronger candidate for future opportunities.
In conclusion, Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down an approach from the England national team to become Gareth Southgate’s successor. Howe believes it is too soon in his managerial career to take on such a high-profile role and wants to continue building his reputation at Newcastle United. While the England job is prestigious, Howe’s decision to stay at Newcastle and focus on his current position is a wise one. As he gains more experience and achieves further success, he may become a more viable candidate for the role in the future.