Newcastle star Fabian Schar issues hands-off warning to England over head coach Eddie Howe - amid claims the Magpies boss is their preferred option to succeed Gareth Southgate

Fabian Schar has told England to keep their hands off Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.

The Magpies defender and his Switzerland team-mates would almost certainly prompt Gareth Southgate’s departure if winning here in Dusseldorf this evening.

Howe is likely to be the preferred choice of the FA top brass on the back of his fine job at St James’ Park, where he inherited a team in 19th and took them into the Champions League within 19 months.

But Schar, a regular under Howe, was not interested in entertaining talk of his head coach being the best man for a potential England vacancy.

‘I actually hope he will stay at Newcastle,’ he said. ‘Because if you see the work he has done at Newcastle over the last few years, he has a lot of quality and knows how to handle a big club and a big team.

‘For myself as well, he has done so well. I am really happy to have him as manager. Hopefully he stays at Newcastle, that is the only thing I can think of.’

Schar was also keen to dismiss the idea that Switzerland are meeting an out-of-form England and should be favourites for the game.

‘No matter how they have played, they are in the quarter-finals,’ said Schar. ‘They can hurt their opponents at any time, so we need to be prepared for that.

‘I wouldn't underestimate England. They have seen us play in the last few games, they know what our strengths are, but for Switzerland it would be great to show what we are capable of.’