Alan Shearer shares who he believes should be next England manager amid mass support of Eddie Howe

So far Eddie Howe is running away with the vote of public opinion for who should take over as England boss after Gareth Southgate stepped down.

Pundits and journalists who not too long ago were saying how Eddie Howe had taken Newcastle United as far as he can and should move aside and let a 'big manager' take over the reigns are now backing Howe to lead the nation.

It shows the fickle nature of football and how quickly opinions can change.

Still, one pundit who surely wouldn't want Eddie Howe to dump Newcastle and take up the Newcastle job is Alan Shearer ... right? Surely?

Getty Images

Alan Shearer has joined the choir

Well, no. it seems even Shearer can't help but jump on the bandwagon.

Speaking to Betfair (via DAZN) Shearer, who did say earlier this week that he would prefer Howe to stay at Newcastle, has now turned to the idea that Howe may find the offer too hard to turn down.

"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. 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.

"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."

Darren Eales may have something to say about Howe going to England

Newcastle would certainly try and stand in his way with Darren Eales saying as much earlier this week when interviewed at the Adidas HQ in Germany as relayed by The Telegraph.

“I don’t want to talk on specifics, but it’s a multi-year deal,” Eales said. “We want him to be our manager long-term and that is why we gave him a new long-term contract last year. In those circumstances, like any employee from us, there will have to be compensation paid [if someone wants him].

“Again, it’s hypothetical, but he’s under a multi-year deal, there’s not a set number [for compensation]. He’s our employee, so from that perspective we’re not looking to release Eddie for all the reasons I’ve spoken about.

“He’s a top coach, he’s the right coach for Newcastle United at the right moment, and this is the coach we want to lead the club for the future.”