Howe of Newcastle says he didn’t talk to the FA about the England job

Before Thomas Tuchel was named head coach of the England national team, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe revealed on Friday that he had not communicated with the Football Association.

Tuchel, a former manager of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, will take over as England Under-21 coach. Lee Carsley has been acting as interim manager since Gareth Southgate resigned following England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final in July.

Before the announcement, Howe’s name had been associated with the position; he is one of just three English managers in the Premier League.

“I wasn’t interviewed for the role,” Howe told reporters when asked if he was. The FA did not get in touch.

“England must act in their own best interests, and only they will be aware of the procedures they have followed and the choices they have taken. I’m definitely not the kind of person who will examine that.

“For me, it’s all about Newcastle and trying to win games, and if you are totally focused, it’s difficult enough to accomplish that. I will always be that way at work. The work becomes impossible if you lower your standards, and I have never permitted myself to do that.”

Howe said that he had a strong working relationship with Tuchel and praised him.

“When I was unemployed, I had the good fortune to visit Chelsea and see him work. What an intelligent man. What a wonderful individual. What a fantastic coach. “I found him fascinating during our two days together, and I hope the best for him,” Howe remarked.

“I think he’s a great appointment and I hope he leads England to many trophies.

“My preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and Thomas is certainly that.”