Howe has confirmed that he has not been contacted by the FA regarding the England managerial position. In the latest football news, Liverpool's Arne Slot was the first Premier League manager to address the press today, where he defended Virgil van Dijk's decision to join the Netherlands national team early after receiving a red card in their match against Hungary. Slot remarked that while it may seem surprising to those outside of the Netherlands, the Dutch media is known for its critical nature. He emphasized that Van Dijk has performed well for the national team and deserves a break, especially considering his consistent contributions, including his participation in the Euros. He noted that the current Dutch squad is young and possesses significant talent, with many players on long-term contracts. Despite facing criticism in recent years, Slot believes they are now a formidable contender for the top three or four positions in the league and will continue to improve if they can attract quality players. Slot also mentioned that it is unfair to judge a team based on just a few matches, suggesting that a more accurate assessment should come after a series of games. He pointed out that in the last two seasons, only Manchester City and Arsenal have consistently demonstrated their capabilities in both the Champions League and Premier League. Regarding the England situation, Slot stated that the FA must make decisions that are right for them, and he respects their processes. His focus remains on Newcastle and winning matches, emphasizing the importance of being fully concentrated on his work. He also spoke highly of Thomas Tuchel, expressing admiration for his coaching abilities and the time he spent observing him at Chelsea, describing him as a brilliant person and coach.