Exclusive: How England feel about Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after shocking Greece loss under Lee Carsley

The FA will not look to confirm England’s new manager until 2025 with interim boss Lee Carsley in contention and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe also keen on the Three Lions role.

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

After an impressive start to Lee Carsley’s temporary tenure during the September international break, Thursday’s shock home defeat by Greece went some way to curtailing the excitement some feel about a man who stepped up from Under-21 duties after Gareth Southgate’s departure over the summer.

Vangelis Pavlidis’ 94th minute winner consigned England to their first competitive Wembley defeat in four years.

Though TBR can confirm that one admittedly poor display will not have the FA ruling out the prospect of keeping Carsley for the long-term.

The Football Association will wait until 2025 before making any decision on Southgate’s full-time replacement.

And Carlsey, who led England to success at the Under 21 European Championship last year and played a major role in the rise of the Three Lions’ next generation of talent, remains a leading candidate to get the gig.

The former Birmingham City midfielder is not the only option under consideration, however.

FA set 2025 plan with Lee Carsley and Eddie Howe in England race

The FA have already advertised the role and are aware of those who are keen on the job. One of those, TBR understands, is Eddie Howe.

Sources close to the situation insist that Carsley has not been chosen as the next permanent boss at this stage, with Newcastle United chief Howe still very much in England contention.

Howe, TBR have been told, ‘would not say’ no if he was offered the role, though the FA are yet to make an official approach at this stage. Graham Potter, the former Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea boss who remains out of work amid ongoing links with Manchester United, is another who has admirers amongst the England bosses.

It is understood that the FA are unlikely to appoint a foreign boss. They would ideally like to avoid paying any compensation, which could complicate matters regarding Howe given that he is under contract at St James’ Park.

Darren Eales, the Newcastle CEO who recently announced his intention to step back after a cancer diagnosis, told the BBC that The Magpies would look to keep Howe if England came calling.

“Yes, absolutely [we want to retain the manager’s services],” Eales said. “We are on an exciting journey and, as far as we’re concerned, Eddie is the man to lead us on that.

“For us, he’s exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United, and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. That’s why we think he’s the right man for Newcastle.

“We love him.”

Lee Carsley opens up on his future as England eye new boss

Carsley, meanwhile, opened up on his own future after Greece secured that shock win at Wembley. He said that, if he is overlooked for the top job, he hopes to retain to his role with the Under 21 set-up.

“I said at the start I wouldn’t rule myself in or out, and that’s still the case,” Carsley told a press conference. “I’m more than comfortable in my position, where I am. The remit was clear, I’m comfortable and confident with that.

“After the first camp, I definitely didn’t get too excited or believe too much. I’m very aware this job is one of the best in the world, in terms of having a chance of winning a major competition. That’s still the case.

“Nothing’s changed from the first press conference. It’s a fantastic job.

“I’m lucky to have a good job as it is with the U21s, but after the first camp with winning both games with two good performances, my ambitions didn’t change.”