Eddie Howe Reveals FA Did Not Approach Him for England Job

Eddie Howe, Newcastle United manager revealed that the Football Association (FA) did not contact him during their recent search for a new England manager. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that they interviewed around ten candidates including some English options before appointing German Thomas Tuchel as the new manager.

Howe, one of only three English managers in the Premier League, stated that he was not part of those discussions. When asked about his feelings on the matter, he emphasized that England must make the right choices for themselves and insisted that his focus remains on managing Newcastle and winning games. The FA declined to comment on Howe’s remarks.

Tuchel’s appointment marks the third time a non-English manager has taken the helm of the Three Lions, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Howe expressed a preference for an English coach but praised Tuchel with whom he shadowed during his time at Chelsea, calling him a brilliant person and coach. The discussion surrounding the appointment raised concerns about the opportunities for English managers in elite roles.

Many in football including former England striker Alan Shearer expressed surprise that the FA did not consider Eddie Howe for the job, noting his successful track record with Newcastle which included a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and Champions League qualification. Everton manager Sean Dyche and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for clubs to recognize English managers as top candidates.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta remarked that it was a point of pride for England to attract high-profile managers like Tuchel, emphasizing the global nature of football today.