Who Is Next in the Firing Line to Replace Fabio Capello as England's Manager?

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With the resignation by Fabio Capello five months short of this summer's UEFA European Championships, I am taking a look at the top contenders according to the bookies.

The England job has often been seen as a poisoned chalice for a country starved of footballing success. The country embraced Capello on his arrival which was compounded by a top-qualifying campaign in the run up to the last World Cup.

A failure to perform on the big stage left the Italian only one bad result away from the dreaded P45. The stripping of the captain's armband has proven to be the final straw for Capello, and his criticism on the FA's handling of the situation has brought his tenure as England's head coach to an end.

Here are the top contenders for his replacement.

Arsene Wenger

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Wenger has come under increasing flack from the Emirates faithful due to a perceived lack of spending and an underachieving squad.

After 15 years at the helm, will Wenger see this as one last job before heading off back to Strasbourg into retirement?

Odds: 20/1

Alan Pardew

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The Newcastle United manager has been the manage of the year by leading his unfancied Magpies into a European place currently knocking on the door of a Champions League dream.

His lack of 'big name' status may be his undoing but if the FA are looking for a grafter rather than a name, Pardew might be the surprise choice.

Odds: 16/1

Jose Mourinho

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The flamboyant Portuguese enigma has never shied away from a challenge and with his tenure in Madrid looking more and more unstable he may decide that the move back to London might be the right choice.

Mourinho is a born winner, but has found the pressure of the Spanish media tough to handle in his relentless quest to haul back their Catalan enemies, FC Barcelona.

One thing's for sure, If Mourinho does return to the UK, the media will think Christmas has come early.

Too much of a side show for the FA?

Odds 20/1

Roy Hodgson

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Th experience West Bromwich Albion manager will be on the FA's shortlist for his experience and achievements across Europe. Having managed at Inter Milan and Liverpool, the pressure surrounding the England Managers job and the media circus will come a no surprise to him.

His recent failure at Liverpool may count against him.

Odds: 12/1

Harry Redknapp

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The current Tottenham manager is the bookies' favourite to take the job on the day he was acquitted of tax evasion charges.

Redknapp has long been touted as the fans' favourite to replace Capello once the Italian said Arrivederchi to English Football.

His brushes with the law may raise an eyebrow or two within Soho Square, but if the fans were choosing, Harry would have been knighted already.

Odds: 2/5

Stuart Pearce

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The current Under 21 Manager may find himself in a similar position to his Rugby Union counterpart Stuart Lancaster if the FA decide to recruit from within through a trusted source.

With the Euro's less than six months away the FA may look at continuity and then look to bring in a big name after the Championships if Pearce fails to deliver.

Odds: 20/1