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Eddie Howe Surprised Not to Be Contacted for England Job Amid Tuchel Appointment
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirmed he was not approached by the Football Association (FA) during their search for a new England manager, which ultimately led to the appointment of German coach Thomas Tuchel. Despite speculation that Howe, one of the few English managers in the Premier League, was a prime candidate for the role, he revealed there had been no contact from the FA.
When asked if he was interviewed for the position, Howe said, “I was not. There was no contact from the FA.” However, he emphasized his focus remains on Newcastle, stating, “For me, it’s about Newcastle and trying to win games… If you drop your levels, then the job becomes impossible.”
Tuchel’s appointment marks the third time a non-Englishman has been chosen to manage the England men’s national team, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Howe expressed his preference for an English coach to lead the national team but praised Tuchel, with whom he has a good relationship. Reflecting on his time shadowing Tuchel at Chelsea, Howe said, “What a brilliant guy. What a great person. What a great coach.”
The FA’s decision to appoint Tuchel instead of an English candidate has raised questions about the pathway for homegrown coaches to reach elite-level positions. Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer expressed surprise that Howe had not been approached, stating, “He is an outstanding manager… To know he has not even been sounded out is very surprising.”
Despite the disappointment, Howe remains committed to Newcastle, and figures within football, including Sean Dyche and Gary O’Neil, acknowledge Howe’s credentials for the England job. However, the FA’s choice of Tuchel, with his proven track record, signals their decision to prioritize experience over nationality.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the prestige of the England managerial position, suggesting that having a coach of Tuchel’s stature interested in the role is something for the country to be proud of.
