Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has said he is “fully committed” to his club and has had “absolutely no contact whatsoever from anybody” at the FA over becoming the next England manager.
Howe is the favourite to replace Gareth Southgate, who resigned after almost eight years in the role following England’s defeat to Spain in the final of Uefa Euro 2024.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Howe added. “I don’t need to address the players. They know, I hope, by how I act and how I am on a daily basis and how committed I am to the club.”
Touching down in Tokyo! ✈️🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/Ih3w94p96o
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 29, 2024
Eddie Howe England links
Having taken Newcastle to the Uefa Champions League, Howe has the highest credentials of any English manager currently operating in the top flight.
When he was asked whether he would reject an approach from England earlier this month, the 46-year-old said that scenario would be “absolutely someone else’s conversation”.
“As long as I am happy, feel supported, feel free to work in the way that I want to work, I have not thought of anything else other than Newcastle,” he elaborated. “I absolutely love the club. I love the supporters. I love where I am at in my career.”
Bruno Guimaraes transfer news
Influential midfielder Bruno Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause is thought to have expired in June in a development which Howe expects to end speculation around the Brazil international’s future.
“It always gives you a boost to get the international players back,” he said. “The release clause was never something that was on my mind and I don’t think it was on his mind either, but it was there and we’re delighted it has passed with nothing happening.
“Now we can focus on him being at Newcastle and hopefully having another season like he did last year. Bruno is so passionate, so driven every day to be his best and for the team to win.”
BG39. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ITkxoh3YFn
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 30, 2024
Newcastle fixtures: Japan tour
Newcastle head to the Saitama Stadium, where England drew 1-1 with Sweden during the 2002 Fifa World Cup, for a friendly with Japanese top-flight side Urawa Reds on Tuesday (11.30am BST).
The Magpies’ two-game tour then pits them against Yokohama at the Nissan Stadium on Saturday (1pm).
“We’re really looking forward to the games,” said Howe. “They’ll be high-level games in extreme heat, which will help us for the new season.”
