Eddie Howe has not ruled out becoming England manager in the future, as speculation continues over Gareth Southgate becoming Manchester United boss.
The Newcastle United boss has regularly been touted as a candidate for taking over the Three Lions job but suggested he has never considered international management. After taking charge of the Magpies in the relegation zone, Howe led his side to fourth place last term and could qualify for the Europa League this season as he continues to enhance the reputation he built at Bournemouth.
As the highest-achieving English manager currently in the Premier League, Howe is likely to be a figure that comes into consideration when Southgate moves on from the England job. The 53-year-old international boss is set to see his contract expire at the end of the year and has shelved any talks over a new deal to retain full focus on EURO 2024.
Reports have emerged that Southgate is a 'top target' for Sir Jim Ratcliffe this summer. Nevertheless, Howe finds it difficult to visualise his next move.
"It's a strange one for me because I'm totally, when I'm in this mode, I'm totally oblivious to everything," he explained on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet. "I'm so focused on the day-to-day part, it's not a cliched answer it's the truth, I don't lift my head and see what is going on or what people say.
“Talking on the [England] national team, my big memories were watching you [ Gary Neville ] play for England. That era was very much me in my early years forming a love with England and wanting them to do well, having that feeling of devastation when we didn’t quite make it over the line.
"I loved that feeling of watching the national team, I was submersed in it. I love England and I hope they go on to win the Euro’s this summer, and I think they can. I love Gareth [Southgate] and I’ve got a real determination for England to win.
“I’ve never really thought about international football for me, personally. Who knows what will happen in the future.”
Howe believes his journey to the Premier League via the English pyramid provided the perfect ground for development. The Newcastle boss suggests coaches just need to keep finding success to continue their journey.
“There are some good English and British coaches in not just the Premier League, but in the Championship and lower leagues," he said. "I’m a firm believer in that process that if you can’t start with a high-profile job in the Premier League, then I think you must earn it.
"I didn’t really set up with that aim, it was just a case of trying to survive and be as successful as I could, and ultimately, I ended up having success. There are some good coaches and I think we have the best pyramid system for developing players and managers – the younger guys coming through have just got to keep being successful.
"Sometimes you’re fighting against the grain because you’re fighting against possibly bigger clubs and bigger budgets but somehow, you’ve got to find a way.”
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