'England's a very special job.I'm patriotic and not ashamed to say that...I love my country'

EDDIE HOWE SPEAKS OUT

- SIMON BIRD

EDDIE HOWE wants assurances and proof he still has the clout to build Newcastle in his mould.

He has been hitting the gym in pre-season, pumping up his muscles, building his strength and is ready for the football, political and managerial battles ahead.

Will that mean a move to take charge of England? Diplomatically, he said: "Wherever I've worked, I've never had a career agenda Football quickly SO quickly .

"England management changes is a very special job for someone. I am very patriotic and I'm not ashamed to say that. I love my country. I want my country to do well.

"I was gutted for Gareth and the lads that they did not win the Euros.

"I don't have that job like a burning sensation in me that I have to do it at some stage.

"If it happens in the future, then it's to be for me. If not, then I'm very, very happy in the role I'm doing."