After a brief stint with the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer, he ended his sixteen-year professional career with a last appearance for Hartlepool United. Howey earned four England caps, starting all four games. He was called up by Kevin Keegan for two 1998 World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Israel, but did not play. England played their first game on 8 October 1997, and lost 1–3 at home to Belarus. Howey came on as a substitute for Chris Kirkland in the 75th minute of the match. Four months later, England played again at home, this time against Israel. Howey started the match and played almost an hour before being substituted for David Platt. He won his first cap in 1997 and finished with a record of 1 win and 3 losses as England manager Kenny Dalglish decided not to pick him for the other three matches he played in. Howey's father, Steve Howey Sr., who also played for England, had a record of eight wins and two losses in international competitions. The younger Howey has one full cap to his name. England played their next game on 26 February 1998, and lost 2–4 away to Israel. Howey started the match and played for sixty minutes before being replaced by David Platt.