How Eddie Howe revealed dream to be England manager

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe has revealed for the first time he has always held an ambition to be England manager.

In a book due out next month, Howe spoke about his Three Lions dream in an interview given before Gareth Southgate quit.

Asked if he would like to manage England, Howe said: “Would that be something I would like to do at some stage of my career? Yes!

“But I’m quite laid-back about it because I’m a believer that what will be, will be. If it’s meant to happen for me it will — if not, it won’t.

“I’m a huge fan of Gareth’s, he’s done brilliant things for England.”

In the book, Cheers to 50 Years . . . On the Sporting Frontline, Howe added: “As a kid I loved England.

“I loved pretending to be playing for England in the garden and I was Gary Lineker.

“I loved Gary Lineker — he was one of my idols. I know I didn’t score goals but I tried and ended up being a defender.

“I was very passionate and still am about my country and England doing well.”

Howe’s feelings will delight the FA bigwigs who see the former Bournemouth head coach as a leading candidate to replace Southgate.

But Howe, 46, is worshipped by the Toon Army, is happy on Tyneside and has no immediate plans to leave the role that made him one of the bookies’ favourites to lead England into the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle have come out strongly and said they are determined to keep Howe at St James’ Park.

And, as much as Howe would love to lead his country, he is a very loyal man who would think long and hard about walking out on Newcastle.

Howe saved the Magpies from relegation in his first season.

He followed that up by reaching the Carabao Cup final and qualified for the Champions League in his second after finishing fourth.

Newcastle failed to reach Europe last campaign after suffering a serious number of injuries when his hands were tied in the transfer market because of Financial Fair Play limitations.

But with a new PSR window now opened, Toon chiefs have declared that they are ready to back him.