Eddie Howe has admitted that he wants Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager - despite speculation that the Newcastle boss could be in line to replace him.
Southgate's long-term future was uncertain heading into the World Cup, where the Three Lions were eliminated by defending champions France in the quarter-finals. The 52-year-old has been at the helm for over six years and led England to a World Cup semi-final and the final of last year's delayed European Championship, but has endured a hugely-challenging 12 months.
The England chief has been booed by disgruntled fans twice already this year and has also been accused of being too pragmatic.
Despite that criticism, England impressed in Qatar and were amongst the leading scorers in the entire tournament before their elimination last weekend. Southgate, who had previously been non-committal when quizzed over his future, has sparked hope within the Football Association that he could yet be persuaded to stay on and oversee England's Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
A final decision from Southgate is expected in the coming weeks, but there has already been speculation over who the FA could target if the former Middlesbrough chief does decide to walk away. Howe is believed to one of the names under consideration after transforming Newcastle's fortunes over the past 12 months.
However, Howe has attempted to distance himself from the role - and instead lauded the "magnificent" work that has been done by his compatriot. "I hope Gareth continues the magnificent job he has done," Howe said, per The Chronicle, when he was asked about the England role. "That's my wish for him. My only focus is Newcastle."
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Since being installed into the St James' Park hotseat last November, Howe has been a revelation. The Magpies were languishing in the relegation zone last term following Steve Bruce's tumultuous tenure, but Newcastle are now flying high in the Premier League and headed into the midseason break in third spot.
Newcastle are in a strong financial position following their Saudi takeover last year and Howe is expected to be backed with additional funds in the January transfer window in a bid to keep the Magpies in the hunt for European football.
And while he admitted anything could happen in football, he stressed the ambitious project he signed up for just over a year ago remains his top priority. Howe added: "As much as you can in football, as you know it is a very difficult game to predict.
"I'm working here with the long-term vision with short-term goals, day to day, game to game. But you are also trying to put things in place that will benefit you in the long-term. That is always hard work and I will never change that."
