Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has named Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe as his pick to succeed Gareth Southgate as manager of England.
Having guided a run to a second European Championships final appearance in as many tournaments, Southgate has called time on his spell in charge of the Three Lions. The 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 showpiece proved to be his last game on the touchline after eight years at the helm.
Having managed his country at four separate tournaments since his appointment in 2016, the FA will now be tasked with finding a replacement for the outgoing boss. Now, Anfield icon Carragher has given his verdict on who should be approached to take on the mantle, with Toon head coach Howe his selection.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think Eddie Howe is the front runner by a long way. I’ve obviously seen three or four names mentioned but I think, Eddie Howe, he would bring to England what Gareth brings in terms of how he deals with the media; he’s very calm and collected individual.
“He’s done two very good jobs at Bournemouth and Newcastle. And that’s something that Gareth hadn’t, in the eyes of the public he had no pedigree, certainly Eddie Howe has that. I think he’s a fantastic coach, he’s developed young players brilliantly at Bournemouth and Newcastle.”
Outlining the Magpies manager’s credentials for the national team post in terms of his offensive playing style, he added: “And if you were describing Eddie Howe as a coach you would certainly say he is more attacking than he is defensively minded. Again something that was often thrown at Gareth. I think Eddie Howe is the best man for the job by a street.”
Meanwhile, Carragher has warned the FA against pursuing a high-profile foreign manager as he compared the job Southgate has done in charge to former overseas coaches in the past. He continued: “I was involved in those times under Sven (Goran-Eriksson) and Fabio Capello – it wasn’t great. Not a patch on what Gareth Southgate’s done.
“He had no pedigree in management before getting the job and I think that tells you in itself that it’s not about going and getting the best manager in club football. Club football is completely different. Spain have just won the tournament with a coach no one really knows. I’m not a big believer in that you have to get a Jurgen Klopp or a Pep Guardiola and that will make the difference.”
Signing off after over a 100 games at the helm, Southgate said of his decision to depart: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”