Harry De Cosemo
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

In short, no. This is what he said when first asked about the role, since confirming that there has been no formal contact from the Football Association.

“For me, as long as I am happy and feel supported and feel free to do the work that I love to do at Newcastle, I’ll be very happy and I am very happy.

“It is an unbelievable football club. There has been no thought in my mind on anything else and I have been very committed to the job here.”

Howe has always spoken publicly about his love of coaching “day to day”, which is something he would have to give up if he were to replace Gareth Southgate.

He is also extremely settled in the North East with his family; it might be hard to prise him away, even if compensation could be agreed. Eales confirmed Howe signed a new multi-year contract last summer, which was not formally announced.

England talk won’t derail Howe’s focus. He is intense on every detail and as he said, that won’t waver; it is irrelevant until an offer is made, and that is not imminent after Lee Carsley was confirmed as interim boss.