Alan Shearer reveals his 'outstanding' pick to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss - but admits deal would be a 'big blow' for manager's current Premier League club

Following Southgate's resignation as England manager after the Euro 2024 disappointment to Spain in the final, speculation has arisen about who will take the reins of the national team. Some top contenders are Howe, ex-Chelsea bosses Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel. Among the trio, the Newcastle manager is considered by many, including football legend Alan Shearer, to be an "outstanding" candidate for the job.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer opined: "I would like the next manager to be an Englishman. We've been down the foreign route before and I know other great managers have been mentioned already but I do think it should be an Englishman in charge. I would imagine the outstanding candidate would be Eddie Howe. I think Eddie has a big decision to make because I'm certain the FA will ask him and then whatever happens after that, we don't know.

"I'm fairly sure that a conversation will have been had or will be ongoing now within the FA where Eddie Howe's name will get a mention. Whether Eddie wants the job or not will be the key. The fact we're talking about Eddie and England again means he's done a really, really good job at Newcastle."

However, Shearer acknowledged that losing Howe would be a significant setback for Newcastle.

"He's been fantastic and it'd be a big blow if he leaves because the fans love him, he's done a remarkable job and he understands the club, but I get it and I understand it," he said.

"Whatever he chooses, if he is tempted by the England job, which I suspect he may be, I don't think many people could or would stand in his way - albeit Newcastle would lose a very talented manager."

Despite the interest from the FA, Newcastle United are not prepared to let Howe go without a fight. The club's Saudi owners have expressed their commitment to supporting Howe in the transfer market, aiming to secure a return to the Champions League. Moreover, Howe's contract, renewed last summer, includes a substantial £5 million release clause, which the FA would need to meet to acquire his services, according to talkSPORT.

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales while addressing the speculation surrounding Howe's future from the club's pre-season training base in Germany said: "It is speculation on Eddie. He has been an amazing manager at the club and he is committed to Newcastle with the work that he has done. We’re on an exciting journey and Eddie is the man to lead us on that. He’s on a multi-year deal which was extended last summer. He’s our employee and we’re not looking to release Eddie. He loves the day-to-day of club football and we have an exciting project here.

“We are really excited about this season ahead. Eddie is a great developer of players. He gets the psyche of the club, Newcastle and the fans. He is exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. We love him.”

If negotiations with Howe take time, the FA may consider appointing England Under-21s chief Lee Carsley as an interim manager for the upcoming game against Ireland in the Nations League in the upcoming international window in September. This interim arrangement would provide the FA with the necessary time to finalise a long-term managerial appointment which could potentially be a high-profile name in club football.