Eddie Howe told to leave Newcastle United as England manager race changes drastically
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have advised Eddie Howe to “look after” himself and ditch Newcastle United for England.
Rumoured friction between Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell has been a hot topic on Tyneside in recent weeks. Both have praised the other publicly but that has not silenced the noise emanating from St James’ Park.
The Toon boss was heavily linked with the Three Lions job following Gareth Southgate’s departure in July. As the highest-placing Englishman in the Premier League for two seasons, many prominent media voices sang his appraisal.
Liverpool legend Carragher believes Howe should jump ship given England’s wealth of talent at their disposal. He told The Overlap: “If I'm Eddie Howe or his agent, I’d be making noises or be in touch with (the FA). If that job were available, I’d take it. I do think that can’t continue (Howe and Mitchell).
“Sooner or later, one of them will have to walk away if that relationship is broken. It’s not just the England job, it’s the players. They’re pretty special. Howe will be the England manager one day.
“But will England have a group of players like this forever? The next generation might not have (Jude) Bellingham or (Phil) Foden.”
Former Manchester United captain Neville agreed, insisting an impressive England stint could land him an elite Premier League job. Howe’s odds of becoming the next Three Lions manager has dropped with bookmakers since the recent international break - with Lee Carsley now the front-runner.
“I agree with Carra, if I were Eddie Howe I’d look after myself,” Neville added. “You’ve had a great Premier League career, you’ve done a brilliant job at Newcastle. England are in a great position at the moment.
“You’re going to be working with amazing players every time you work with them. The next step up in Eddie’s career would be England. It’s difficult to get a Chelsea job, or a Man United job, a Liverpool job. He’ll know that. To win with England, he’d then have a chance of going for one of those top jobs.”