EDD FOR HEIGHTS

Toon chief Howe-who has revealed his passion for the national team is outstanding candidate for Three Lions job and he's high on the FA's list

- JOHN CROSS

EDDIE HOWE has got big admirers at the FA - and it is easy to see why.

Of all the runners and riders, the Newcastle manager is the outstanding candidate because he is English (the FA's preference), he is doing a great job at St Park James and his stock is very high.

Howe is right up there on the FA's hit list of candidates along with ex-Brighton boss Graham Potter.

The smart money is on Under-21s boss Lee Carsley becoming interim manager - and who knows where that leads? There is certain to be interest from abroad, with Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel being linked.

But Howe has not hidden his passion for England and admitted that, just like Gareth Southgate, he grew up watching the national team in major tournaments as a kid.

Howe (above) described that on Gary Neville's Overlap podcast just two months ago.

He said: "My big memories of watching England was very much me in my early years forming a love with England and really wanting them to do well in the major tournaments - and having that feeling of devastation when it didn't quite get over the line.