Alan Shearer was quick to shut down Gary Lineker when discussing the coaches who could succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.
After a second successive failed attempt at European Championship, this time with a 2-1 loss to Spain, talk has turned to life after Southgate, with the national boss stepping down from his role after eight years.
There have been several names already linked with the post, including Graham Potter, Under-21 boss Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino.
But on the Rest Is Football podcast alongside Micah Richards and Shearer, Lineker wondered if it should be an Englishman who gets the job and mentioned Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, which saw protest from Magpies hero Shearer.
“So who next? Lineker asked in the aftermath of England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final – before Southgate announced his decision to step down. “Do you go English? Because there is really only Eddie Howe.”
Shearer sharply interjected, shouting: “Stop it!”
Like many Newcastle fans, Shearer does not want to lose Howe, who has worked wonders at St. James’ Park after leading them to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
The former striker, who played 405 times for Newcastle over 10 years, got a laugh out of the room as Lineker continued.
He said: “Say Gareth does call it a day, which I suspect must be so tough, so demanding, so hard, who would you go for? Eddie Howe?”
Shearer replied: “There is no doubt he will be in the betting because he has gone a great job at Newcastle and he plays that kind of football.”
However, talkSPORT understands Howe would consider the job if approached by the Football Association. The man himself has even said it would be the ultimate honour for him as a coach.
Lineker continued: “If you go English, we have mentioned Frank Lampard but wouldn’t you go all out for [former Liverpool boss] Jurgen Klopp?”
Richards said through a smile: “I’d go one bigger: Pep [Guardiola].”
However, Lineker protested: “I think we’d all want Pep but do you realistically think he’d join?” Richards asked: “Why not?”
Lineker continued: “I don’t know, Klopp is out of a job and he will have a bit of a rest…”
But Shearer shut down the talk by saying: “Do you really think England would go for a German manager?”
Whatever happens next, the FA and Southgate have a decision to make but have time on their hands with England not playing now until September 7.
Southgate leaves his job having been the most successful men’s manager since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup in 1966, but ultimately could not deliver a trophy.
He and the squad cut dejected figures when they arrived back in the UK less than 24 hours after the loss.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
Gareth Southgate timeline
Gareth Southgate’s Key Moments
27 September 2016 – Southgate was placed in temporary charge following Sam Allardyce’s departure. The England Under-21s manager was initially put in charge for four games.
8 October 2016 – Southgate enjoyed victory in his first game in charge as England beat Malta 2-0 at Wembley with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli.
30 November 2016 – Southgate signed a four-year deal to become England’s permanent manager.
5 October 2017 – England booked their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.
3 July 2018 – England beat Colombia in a shoot-out to progress to the quarter-finals.
11 July 2018 – 2-1 extra-time defeat to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
28 December 2018 – Southgate was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to football.
22 June 2021 – England topped their group in Euro 2020 after a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.
29 June 2021 – Southgate became the first England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1966 World Cup final to lead his country to victory over Germany in a knockout match with a 2-0 success in the last 16 of Euro 2020.
11 July 2021 – England suffer more heartbreak as they lose the Euro 2020 final and Wembley showpiece to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
22 November 2021 – Southgate earns a new contract which will run until Euro 2024.
14 June 2022 – England endured a dismal Nations League campaign, which included a 4-0 hammering by Hungary at Molineux – the worst home defeat since 1928.
10 December 2022 – England eased through to the quarter-finals in Qatar before being beaten 2-1 by defending champions France, but the performance of Southgate’s side attracted praise.
18 December 2022 – The FA announced Southgate would stay on to lead England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
18th October 2023 – England qualify for Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win over Italy.
14th July 2024 – England suffer another heartbreak as they lose the Euro 2024 final 2-1 to Spain.
16th July 2024 – The FA announce Southgate has left his role as England manager following England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.
“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
“We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
“I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
“Thank you, England – for everything.”
talkSPORT understands Eddie Howe would be interested in the job and FA Chief Mark Bullingham said the plan is to have a new manager in place as soon as possible.
News Summary:
- ‘Stop it’ – Alan Shearer interrupts Gary Lineker to shut down suggestion for Gareth Southgate replacement
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.