1) José Mourinho

Pros Charismatic, bold, successful. Women want him and men want to be him; all in all, the polar opposite of Steve McClaren. Would be welcomed by media and public alike given his reputation as a winner. Is available and his family likes London. Cons Has said he wants a job at a top European club. Might get bored as England do not have a competitive fixture for another nine months. FA would not relish his incendiary style – and he would be expensive. Odds 4-1

2) Alan Shearer

Pros Long and successful career at international and Premier League level should win dressing-room respect. Reputation as a straight-talker and passion for England runs deep. Jürgen Klinsmann and Marco van Basten have proved that a lack of managerial experience is no barrier to success. Cons It would still be a risky move for the FA to appoint someone who has never managed at club level and is still gaining coaching qualifications. Odds 14-1

Expert View

The faults that lie deep within the nation's football will not be cured simply by handing Steve McClaren his P45

Martin Samuel

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BACKGROUND

• O’Neill rules himself out of running

• Same old routine for Barwick and Co

• £2.5m for worst English manager

• English game paralysed by fear of the unknown

BACKGROUND

• The contenders

• Defeat puts paid to hopes of £2bn bonanza

• McClaren's epitaph: ‘Worse than Graham Taylor’

• Former coach faces fight to rebuild reputation

BACKGROUND

• From 1 to 11: why number was up for England

• Beckham is the blueprint by which to rebuild national game

• Talisman expects backlash but is not retiring

• Carson hoping to bounce back

BACKGROUND

• Wembley authorities unable to explain quagmire

• England were a shower but I’d do it all again

• Time to support the other red and whites

• England got what they deserved, says Corluka

BACKGROUND

• England among also-rans in World Cup seedings

• Players’ egos responsible for failure, says Keane

• Own Goal

Multimedia

• Vote for the next England manager

• England's ten lowest moments ever

• England fans: let off steam here

3) Fabio Capello

Pros Curtailed the excesses of the galácticos at Real Madrid and brought the club the title last season. Adaptable coach with a global reputation whose sides are regimented but attractive. Said yesterday that he would like the job. Also successful with AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus. Cons Does not speak good English and has not worked in English football. Aged 61, which could count against him if the FA is looking for someone youthful. Odds 6-1

4) Jürgen Klinsmann

Pros Energetic and confident leadership could rejuvenate a side shorn of self-belief. Won admirers by taking a mediocre Germany side to the World Cup semi-finals last year with a fluent, attacking style. Cons Appears reluctant to move from California, where he lives and has business interests. Reportedly interested in managing Australia because he could do the job part-time. England supporters who blanched at a Swede taking charge would not warm to the idea of a German manager. Odds 25-1 The contenders

5) Rafael BenÍtez

Pros Understood to be unsettled at Liverpool and open to idea of managing England if he leaves Anfield. Knows how to win big competitions. A tactical expert with excellent knowledge of European football. Cons Unimpressive Barclays Premier League form a blot on his copybook. Reputation for defensive, low-scoring football is hardly what England are looking for. Are England ready for Rafa’s rotations? Given his lack of club action, BenÍtez’s appointment may persuade Peter Crouch to retire. Odds 40-1

6) Martin O’Neill

Pros Inspirational, well-liked and clearly in the FA’s thoughts last year. Has bought and encouraged young English talent such as Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young while revitalising a moribund Aston Villa. Cons Is thought to feel reluctant to leave Villa, where he has not worked long and not won anything. If he was not right in the FA’s eyes last year, what has changed? Is he a master tactician or nothing more than a one-dimensional Mr Motivator? Odds 4-1

7) Luiz Felipe Scolari

Pros “Big Phil” has a big reputation and it is justified: led Brazil to the World Cup and Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup. Appeared to be the FA’s first choice last year. Is expected to leave Portugal after Euro 2008. Cons Was intimidated by media scrutiny when he was shortlisted. With Portugal newly qualified for Euro 2008 and their team filled with young talent, would not leave if the FA wanted him installed before the tournament. Odds 12-1

8) Stuart Pearce

Pros England Under21 have been virtually unbeatable under him. In early days of his Manchester City reign was talked about as a future England manager. Would provide continuity, given his role in FA set-up. Intense will to win. Could act as a caretaker if FA chooses to wait until after Euro 2008 before making a decision. Cons City stagnated with alarming speed and he is still learning the managerial ropes. Lacks experience and needs to prove himself with a top club. Odds 20-1

Odds by Coral