England manager shortlist cut down to two names as Eddie Howe 'rules himself out' of race

The England managerial shortlist has been cut to two names as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe prepares to rule himself out of contention for the role, it has been reported.

Howe had been regarded as one of the leading contenders to replace Gareth Southgate in the role given his impressive performance at Newcastle.

The former Bournemouth boss guided the Magpies to a Champions League qualification spot last season, having taken the role when the club were in the relegation zone in 2021.

One of Howe's major strengths at Newcastle, from a coaching perspective, has been getting the best out of existing players, with several of the club's key stars part of a struggling squad when Steve Bruce was in charge.

However, according to The Telegraph, the Englishman has no interest in taking charge of the Three Lions when Southgate departs.

The Daily Mail previously claimed that Southgate would leave his role after the conclusion of Euro 2024, although Howe is said to not want to be an international manager at this stage of his career.

The last club manager to directly leave their role to become England boss was Sam Allardyce in 2016, with Southgate an internal appointment.

And The Telegraph also claim that England have shortlisted Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper as a potential replacement for the ex-Middlesbrough boss.

Cooper was appointed as Forest boss when they were in the Championship relegation zone in 2021, and presided over a remarkable rise up the division before the club were promoted via the play-offs.

Despite a major overhaul of players in the transfer market, the Welshman - who has experience of coaching England's age-group sides - kept Forest in the top flight.

The other name on the shortlist is said to be former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who would theoretically be an easier appointment as he has been out of a job since leaving Stamford Bridge earlier this year.

However, it is claimed that Potter would prefer to take a club job at this stage.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham hinted earlier this year that England women's head coach Sarina Wiegman could also be considered for the role after the Lionesses won the European Championships and reached the final of the World Cup under her management.

He stated: "Do I think football is behind other sports in terms of a lack of female coaches at the top level? I do. I think that has to change.

"Do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes, I do. I'm really happy with the job she's doing, and I hope she stays for a long time."

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