Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent insists there is “not a chance” Eddie Howe would ditch Newcastle United for England. Speculation regarding Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions future has ramped up after an underwhelming Nations League campaign.
No wins in six games against Italy, Germany and Hungary relegated England from League A and resulted in poor preparation for next month’s World Cup. Despite taking his side to the cusp of European Championship glory last year, Southgate is facing calls - rightly or wrongly - from sections of supporters for the axe.
Howe was forced to deflect questions linking him to the England job a fortnight ago. While not ruling out the offer indefinitely, the Toon boss candidly suggested his short-term future remains on Tyneside.
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“I never say never,” Howe told reporters. “But, in the short term, it is not on my radar at all. It is all Newcastle and trying to make this team better.
“I have always said I love the day-to-day coaching, love being with the players on the training ground, international football you get that taken away for long periods. At this moment in my life that is not something I want to do.”
Now, ex-Black Cat Bent has dismissed any suggestion that Howe would jump ship. He told talkSPORT: “No, not a chance… no way! If he does well at Newcastle and they get where they want to get to…
“Look at what they’re building. He’s just been given all this money, Newcastle going in the right direction is a perfect man for the job and is loved by the Newcastle fans. It's a project where he is in full control of what he's trying to do. He’s not going to go ‘you know what, I’ve had enough of this.’”
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