Gary Neville makes controversial Eddie Howe claim when discussing Toon future

Gary Neville has encouraged Eddie Howe to take the 'next step' in his career and leave Newcastle United for England.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast this week, Neville says Howe has done a 'brilliant job' in the North East getting us from relegation to Champions League and must 'look after himself' and take the Three Lions job if it presents itself.

Lee Carsley remains interim head coach for the moment and will be hoping to impress the FA and take the job for himself, though a conclusion is yet to be reached, leaving Newcastle in a tricky position and the door open to Howe.

The board have shown nothing but support to Howe, who is an integral part of the club and is well liked by both fans and players, but Neville believes he should be proactive and not wait for others to decide the rest of his career.

"If I was Eddie Howe, I would go and look after myself," Neville said. "You’ve had a great Premier League career, you’ve done a brilliant job. You’ve been fantastic at Newcastle. You’ve almost closed that chapter of their development.

"England are in a great position with players. You’re going to be working with amazing players. The next step up in Eddie’s career would be England. It’s difficult to get a Chelsea job, or Man United or Liverpool. He’ll know that. He might get Tottenham at some point in the future.

"My point is for Eddie, it’s difficult … to win with England, you’d have a chance of getting one of those top jobs. I think it’s his next step up, and I think he would take that job. He’s got to be proactive and not wait for other people to determine his outcome."

Watch what Neville, Carragher and Co. had to say on all things Newcastle from 38 minutes onwards in the clip below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3JNFZb8YPo