“He would be an outstanding candidate, but we wouldn’t want to lose him” - Alan Shearer names ideal replacement for England boss Gareth Southgate
Former England international striker Alan Shearer has named Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe as his ideal replacement for Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions' boss. After England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Southgate is widely expected to depart from his post as the national team's head coach.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer stated that Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe would be a fitting replacement for Southgate.
“There’s no doubt he’ll be in the bet [to become next England manager if Southgate leaves] because he’s done a great job at Newcastle. He plays that type of football [we all want]," Shearer said.
However, the Newcastle United legend added that he did not want to see Howe leave his job with the Magpies, having done a commendable job since taking charge in 2021.
“I’m all for England and English managers. I don’t want Eddie Howe [to leave], but he would be the outstanding candidate. There’s a lot going on at Newcastle, the guys who appointed Eddie have now left. He would, without doubt, be an outstanding candidate [for the job]. But we wouldn’t want to lose him at Newcastle,” Shearer added.
Newcastle United will hope they can hold on to Eddie Howe's services for at least another season. Gareth Southgate will leave the post with his head held high if he leaves after his run at Euro 2024 that saw them make it to the final in Berlin.
Gareth Southgate refuses to talk about his future as England manager
Gareth Southgate refused to address his future as the England manager following his side's loss in the final of Euro 2024. The Three Lions were one game away from winning the European Championships in Berlin but fell 2-1 to La Roja to see their trophyless run continue.
Southgate's future after the tournament has been the subject of intense scrutiny. However, the Englishman refused to address those concerns after the match, telling the press (via GOAL):
"I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now."
Gareth Southgate added:
"I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough. We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short. They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game."
If Southgate leaves the job in the wake of Euro 2024, he can be proud of his record, having led his country to 64 wins, 20 draws, and 18 losses in 102 games.