Fabio Capello's shock exit has created a vacancy for an England manager, just four months away from the start of Euro 2012.
Unlike when Capello was offered £6million a year to clear up the mess left by Steve McClaren, the Football Association do at least have options - and some of them are even English.
HARRY REDKNAPP
Ticks all the boxes; English, managed in the Champions League, won trophies, plays attractive football and has done so with Tottenham thanks to a core of English players, including captaincy candidate Scott Parker. Has to be the overwhelming favourite.
ROY HODGSON
Was strongly fancied to replace Capello following the 2010 World Cup. However, before the FA made their decision, Hodgson plumped for an ill-fated spell with Liverpool. Now at West Brom, Hodgson has vast managerial experience and would be viewed as a safe pair of hands.
ALAN PARDEW
After difficult spells at Charlton and Southampton, Pardew has re-established his reputation at Newcastle. Overcome a lot of scepticism to re-establish the Magpies as a top-flight force and not yet out of contention for a Champions League place after an outstanding campaign.
STUART PEARCE
Long-time coach of the England Under-21 side and confirmed as boss of the Olympic team later this year. Pearce's fierce reputation as a player took a knock when he failed to curb the excesses of Joey Barton at Manchester City. Lacks experience of the club scene but many other countries prefer to appoint from within.
JOSE MOURINHO
Impeccable CV and perfect grasp of English. One man who would have no problem controlling the dressing-room egos. Tipped to leave Real Madrid in the summer, his fiery temperament might be a big problem for the FA, in addition to his salary demands, which are sure to be high.
ARSENE WENGER
Hugely respected in England and his knowledge of the domestic game clearly an advantage. In the middle of a vast rebuilding exercise at Arsenal, where some fans have turned against him, so not impossible to believe he could be prised away. Never shown any liking for the international game though.
GUUS HIDDINK
The Dutchman enjoyed a short but successful spell in England when he took temporary charge of Chelsea during the 2008-09 season, leading the club to FA Cup glory. At international level he famously steered South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, knocking out Italy and Spain in the process, while he was also manager of Australia when they reached the second round of the 2006 tournament in Germany. It was his Russia side which qualified ahead of England for Euro 2008 although he failed to take them to the World Cup two years later. His stint with Turkey ended in disappointment after they lost to Croatia in the Euro 2012 play-offs but his experience certainly makes him a leading candidate.
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