Alan Shearer makes bold Eddie Howe prediction that will divide Newcastle United supporters

Alan Shearer believes Eddie Howe will be in the conversation to replace Gareth Southgate at England.

The Three Lions could have a fresh face in the dugout no matter what happens this summer. Southgate is currently contracted until after the tournament and, even if England end their 58-year trophy drought, he may decide to step down.

The 53-year-old is approaching his eighth year in the role - having taken over a country in crisis as caretaker manager. England had just been dumped out of Euro 2016 by Iceland and Sam Allardyce was fired after one game in charge.

Southgate is, statistically, England’s second-best manager ever, with only Sir Alf Ramsey ahead of him in the history books. But sentiment is growing about the need to freshen up the dugout to coach a Three Lions contingent widely considered the best for a generation.

Howe - as the highest-placing English manager last season - has previously been linked with the hot seat. The Toon boss, while confessing "never say never", played down that speculation following the most recent World Cup.

Other potential contenders should the role become vacant include Graham Potter, Lee Carsley, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Speaking on Peter Crouch’s podcast, Newcastle legend Shearer named Howe as a future contender.

“The obvious one last season was Eddie Howe but you know how football works,” Shearer said. “He took Newcastle to fourth last year and I know they have struggled this year but everyone would have said him last year. There’s no doubt he will get a mention if and when the England job comes up.”