The self-confessed 'cricket tragic' told an Ashes panel discussion in London that England are "a little bit spooked" by Australia's pace attack and face an uphill battle to reclaim the urn.
After watching "four marvellous days" of cricket at Lord's, Howard believes Australia's bowling arsenal has caused England "psychological problems".
"I’m not saying this in any sort of triumphal way, but they do give the impression of being just a little bit spooked by our bowling attack," Howard told the audience.
"It’s going to be very hard for England to recover."
The third Test will be at Edgbaston on Wednesday July 29 at 8pm (AEST).