Alan Shearer names his favorite to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager
Alan Shearer wants Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager. The Three Lions are searching for a replacement after Southgate stepped down following a 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Howe is one of several candidates touted for the role amid an impressive reign at St James' Park. The young English coach lifted the Magpies out of a relegation battle and into mid-table in 2022. He then built upon that by sealing UEFA Champions League qualification the following year in a remarkable turnaround on Tyneside.
Shearer thinks Howe will be the hot favorite to take over from Southgate and expects the English FA to approach him. He told Betfair:
"I would imagine the outstanding candidate would be Eddie Howe. I think Eddie has a big decision to make because I'm certain the FA will ask him and then whatever happens after that, we don't know."
Howe is earning the backing of several England legends, as Michael Owen also thinks he'd be a 'good fit.' He's overseen 62 wins in 125 games since arriving at St James' Park in November 2021. Shearer acknowledged the fine job he's done:
"I'm fairly sure that a conversation will have been had or will be ongoing now within the FA where Eddie Howe's name will get a mention. Whether Eddie wants the job or not will be the key. The fact we're talking about Eddie and England again means he's done a really, really good job at Newcastle."
Newcastle CEO Darren Eales has insisted Howe will remain at St James' Park despite interest from the Three Lions. He claims the former Bournemouth boss signed a multi-year contract extension last year, and breaking this will come at a hefty fee, per Sky Sports' Keith Downie.
"Ticks all the boxes" - David Seaman also hopes Eddie Howe replaces Gareth Southgate as England manager
David Seaman is another former England international pulling for Howe to get the job. The Three Lions' legendary former goalkeeper told Betway that his Premier League experience could be key:
"If I had to choose the next England manager I would go for Eddie Howe, because he’s used to dealing with Premier League players. He seems to tick all the boxes for an England manager, and he would have the respect of the players for what he has achieved at Newcastle."
Howe hasn't only earned plaudits with Newcastle, but he also impressed at Bournemouth. He oversaw their promotion to the Premier League in 2015, the first time in the Cherries' history that they'd reached the English top flight.
The 46-year-old has also worked with English names such as Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, and Kieran Trippier. He's yet to try himself in international management, and the Three Lions job may be hard to turn down.