England legend Teddy Sheringham has reiterated his belief that Eddie Howe remains the natural successor to the Three Lions job, but warns that the Newcastle United head coach's hands are tied by stringent financial rules at St James' Park.
Sheringham Backs Howe for England Role Despite Tuchel's Tenure
Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Live, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker said: "Has Eddie Howe shown enough that he can be England manager after Thomas Tuchel? Maybe if he’s allowed to spend a little bit more money and bring in some top players, you never know."
Howe was a strong candidate for the England job in 2024 after Gareth Southgate stepped down, but the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel, who is contracted through the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 European Championships. Lee Carsley served as caretaker before Tuchel's arrival.
SCR Constraints Leave Newcastle at a Disadvantage
Sheringham highlighted the financial disparity between Newcastle and their rivals: "It just seems like his hands are tied when you look at how much money other teams have had to spend over the last 10 to 20 years. Newcastle haven't really been able to do that so it’s tough for him but I think he’d still be an interesting option for England some day."
Newcastle's spending power is curbed by the Premier League's Sustainability Control Regulations (SCR), which limit losses and restrict investment. This summer, the club faces severe constraints, placing Howe in a genuine scrap with the traditional top six and emerging sides like Brighton, Brentford, and AFC Bournemouth, who made significant strides last season.
Howe's Focus on Newcastle After Mixed Season
With Tuchel firmly in place, Howe must concentrate on improving upon last season's 12th-place Premier League finish and a run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Sheringham, speaking on behalf of ComeOn, acknowledged the heightened competition: "This is going to be a big season for Eddie Howe. The problem he’s got is that there are eight or nine teams who could all end up in those European places this season. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton will be there. And maybe Bournemouth again, and Newcastle too, but they all want to be in there, and there are only so many places. It’s going to be an interesting season."
Newcastle fans and the hierarchy expect to challenge for honours, but Sheringham's comments underscore the uphill battle Howe faces under current financial restrictions.
