July 16th 2024.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, with many considering him a strong candidate for the highly coveted position of England's manager. This comes after Gareth Southgate's decision to step down from the role following the team's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate took over from Sam Allardyce in 2016, initially on a temporary basis, and has since led the Three Lions to two consecutive European Championship finals and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, his cautious approach during this summer's tournament in Germany received heavy criticism, causing him to face scrutiny and questions about his future.
In the aftermath of Sunday's loss to Spain, Southgate remained tight-lipped about his plans and stated that he needed time to speak to the "right people" before making any decisions. But two days later, he confirmed his departure, leaving the FA in search of a new manager before the team's return to Nations League action in September.
Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is currently the frontrunner for the position, having been out of work since his dismissal from Stamford Bridge. However, there have also been talks of Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe taking over, despite being tied to a contract at St James' Park until 2027.
In his statement on the FA website, Southgate expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage his country and the support he has received throughout his eight-year tenure. He also mentioned his belief in the young and talented squad and their potential to bring home the coveted trophy.
Southgate also thanked his backroom staff and the fans for their unwavering support, stating that he will always be an England fan. He ended his statement by expressing his excitement to see the team continue to create special memories and inspire the nation.
Back in 2016, Howe was also heavily linked to the England job before Southgate was given the permanent position. When asked about the speculation at the time, Howe did not rule out the possibility, saying that the England job is the ultimate and he would never say no. However, he currently has three years left on his contract with Newcastle and has shown his commitment to improving the team.
After the Three Lions were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by France, Howe was once again mentioned as a potential candidate for the England manager role. While he did not deny his interest in the position in the future, he made it clear that his focus was on Newcastle and making the team better.
Following Southgate's announcement, FA CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed that the search for a replacement was underway and that they were aiming to appoint someone as soon as possible. He also stated that they had an interim solution in place if needed and that they would not be commenting further on the process until a new manager was appointed.
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