Top class from Eddie Howe on future, Tuchel and truth behind England links

Eddie Howe has commented on previous links to the England job after it emerged the FA did not contact him over the vacancy because of his reported £6m+ compensation fee.

Speaking to the media on Friday before Newcastle's game against Brighton, Howe was asked if he had been approached by the FA over replacing Gareth Southgate, and whether former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel was the right man for the role.

"I was not (contacted). There was no contact from the FA. England have to do what is right for them. Only they will know the processes they have gone through. For me it is about Newcastle. I remain 100 per cent focused to my work, if you drop focus the job becomes impossible."

"Yes, of course there were (English) candidates, but I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them. They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.

"But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. But I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision."

Howe was one of the frontrunners to manage the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, alongside the likes of Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and even Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

And though Eddie can sit a bit more comfortably in his role as Newcastle manager, he has not ruled out managing his country in the future.

"But I'd never say that managing England isn't something I'd like to do, maybe one day, if given the opportunity. For me as kid I loved World Cups. I loved European Championships. I was obsessed with England trying to win something. I really do hope Thomas is able to do that for the country."

"But my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle. I said in Germany (back in July) right at the start, my focus was all on Newcastle and that has not changed for one second. I genuinely think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal. I immerse myself with what I’m in currently, so no other thoughts have entered my head."

Though the pair of managers have only once shared a touchline (Chelsea's 1-0 win over the Magpies at Stamford Bridge in March 2022), Howe expressed nothing but praise for the 51-year-old during his media briefing.

"I've got a relationship with Thomas. I was lucky enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work, and what a brilliant guy, what a great person, what a great coach."

"I had two days with him and thought he was fascinating. I really enjoyed his company, so I really wish him well. I think he's a great appointment and I hope he leads England to many trophies."