Richard Keys has stated that Eddie Howe swapping Newcastle United for the England manager job ‘isn’t a step up’ for the St James’ Park boss following the nation’s World Cup exit to France on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate, after leading his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and then the Euro 2020 final, watched his team suffer a 2-1 defeat to the current holders and head for an early exit in Qatar – could Newcastle’s man in the dugout now take the hotseat?
Before a ball was kicked in the Middle East, there were high expectations of England, because of their squad depth and their previous tournament performances.
But, once again, it was a penalty sending the English home, this time Harry Kane ballooning his late spot-kick over the bar, which would have sent the tie to extra-time.
Back in November, Southgate did pen a new England contract until Euro 2024, but that doesn’t guarantee he will stay on, especially given that the former centre-back has stated that he will now ‘reflect and review’ before making a call on what to do with his future, as he told BBC Sport.
If he does step down, could Howe be the man to take over, well, TV presenter Richard Keys seemed to dismiss the idea of the 45-year-old doing that and put forward another name instead, as he told beIN SPORTS (10/12/22 at 9:25 pm).
“It’s not a step up for Eddie Howe,” replied Keys to the point that the Newcastle boss ‘won’t be going anywhere’ if the England job became available.
“I would have a broader field as I possibly could. Our domestic league is dominated by foreign coaches. I would perhaps think it’s time to go back to that formula.
“I mean what’s Arsene Wenger doing? Why not?!”
WOULD EDDIE HOWE LEAVE NEWCASTLE?
Every English manager out there would want to take charge of their country one day, every manager would want that international gig.
This probably isn’t a case of Howe wanting the England manager’s job, it’s the case of whether he wants it now.
The answer is probably no given the project Newcastle are heading down and how they are sitting in the Champions League places.
If the Magpies continue the season like they have started it, then there is every chance that it’s, at the very least, European football, and possibly the Champions League next season.
Added to what’s coming over the hill, his best bet is to probably stay put because he’s young enough to become England manager in years to come.
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