It came as a genuine surprise to many when it emerged that Eddie Howe had decided to leave his job as Newcastle United manager in the middle of pre-season. Not many would have seen it coming, as when someone kicks off preparations for a new campaign, they rarely end up walking out after just weeks.
Why did Howe leave in such an abrupt manner? That is still somewhat unclear. But he will go down as one of the best managers in the club’s modern history, there is jury doubt about that.
In fact, one could argue that he did not get the credit that he deserved. Howe ended Newcastle United’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. And he also led them into the Champions League on more than one occasion.
Despite the criticism he might have received for the team’s performances last season from some sections of the fanbase, Howe remains a very highly regarded manager. And he might be in line for a blockbuster job.
Eddie Howe linked with blockbuster job following Newcastle United exit
Where will Howe end up managing next? Well, it might not be a club at all. What if he ends up as the new manager of the England national team?
According to Football Insider, Thomas Tuchel’s future as England manager is increasingly uncertain amid the FA’s investigation into the 2026 World Cup performance. Howe is being lined up as a potential replacement.
Of course, England did finish third at the World Cup, their best performance since 1966. But Tuchel’s decision to go completely defensive against Argentina, when 1-0 up in the semi-final, and to allow Lionel Messi to dictate the game for the last 30 minutes, came under heavy criticism.
The German manager’s appointment has always been a controversial one. And according to the same report from Football Insider, Tuchel’s position is genuinely thought to be on the line and Howe would take the role if offered, as it is the right time in his career for it.
Will England really replace Tuchel with Howe?
It remains to be seen if England do end up deciding to part ways with Tuchel. If you ask me, they will stick with him. Just look at how long they stuck with Gareth Southgate.
The fact of the matter is that Tuchel was able to guide this England team to a third-place finish at the World Cup. And one could argue that this squad did not have the sheer talent in peak form that they might have had in previous international tournaments.
If England sack Tuchel now and the performances end up getting worse, serious questions will be asked, because they would be parting with a proven winner that had guided the Three Lions to their best World Cup finish in sixty years.
So, I do not expect England to make a call on Tuchel. But if they do, it is quite clear that Howe would be one of the frontrunners to be the replacement.
