The Rumours that Eddie Howe could take over the England job will be music to Jack Grealish’s ears with the Newcastle boss and England outcast both sharing a public mutual respect.

Not long after Gareth Southgate announced that he was to step down from England, the grapevine was ripe with talk of who will replace him, with Newcastle boss Howe a top candidate for pundits, fans and the bookies. However, Grealish, who was frozen out of the England set-up for Euro 2024 under Southgate, will be overjoyed to learn the former Bournemouth man could be in the running for the country’s top job with the Magpies chief expressing his admiration for the City star in the past.

The pair’s complimentary back and forth actually began after Grealish called Howe a “great manager”. Their understanding was then bolstered after the City man made an untoward pop at Newcastle forward Miguel Alimron, after which Howe refused to criticise Grealish, and instead, was highly flattering of the midfielder following a clash between Newcastle and City.

The £100million man was also full of praise for Howe, and Newcastle, in a previously unseen interview, which took place before a game against Manchester City back in 2022. “Eddie Howe came in and changed things,” Grealish told the international press.

“They have a great manager in Eddie Howe and they already have good players who can hurt you. They had a good window and they brought in good players. They’re a threat now and in the future.”

Eddie Howe has praised Jack Grealish in the past ( 
Image:
PA)

Grealish could have been the target of ire by Howe after the former Villa captain made an off-hand jibe at Newcastle striker Almiron. The City star criticised Almiron during the City’s trophy parade in 2022 when, on camera, Grealish addressed City coming from behind to beat Villa 3-2 to win the Premier League title saying: “There were two secrets — one, Riyad (Mahrez), take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron.”

Grealish later apologised for the incident but Magpies boss Howe chose to keep his powder dry and instead paid tribute to his centre forward insisting the goal-scorer is unmoved by the comments. The incident could have been a lightning rod for Howe to unload on the Man City player but later comments proved that the Newcastle boss was harbouring a deep appreciation of Grealish.

Jack Grealish made comments about Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron back in 2022 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Howe’s glowing remarks about Grealish came in September 2023 as City crashed out of the Carabao Cup as a goal from Alexander Isak gave Newcastle a 1-0 win over the Blues at St James’ Park. The 45-year-old Magpies boss.

Speaking live on Sky Sports after the game, Howe said: “A very difficult opponent in Jack Grealish, who is an outstanding player. I thought defensively he was very, very good.”

Whether Howe’s appreciation of the silky winger’s skills and his penchant for a solid defensive shift will be enough to bring Grealish in from the cold should he get the nod for the big job is up for debate. However, the former Villa man will be watching the selection process closely with the hope that should Howe be the chosen one.