Top Candidates for England Job After the World Cup

After England's dismal World Cup exit, coach Capello's fate will be decided in the next two weeks. The Italian coach refused to resign and insisted that he wants to guide England to the 2012 Euro Cup.

Before the World Cup, Capello had a clause removed from his contract that would allow both parties to terminate the deal after the tournament. So if the
English FA decides to remove Capello from his position, that will be a very
expensive decision.

Still, due to the World Cup record loss against the Germans in the first round, the public wants changes before the qualification matches begin for the next Euro Cup in September.

Roy Hodgson

The Fulham manager has made a miracle with Fulham in the past season. Altough, the tiny London side was predicted to be relegated in 2010.

They finished 12th in the English Premier League, but the real success came in the Europa League. Hodgson guided the London minnows to the final of the tournament.

Eventually they failed against Atletico Madrid, but this was the biggest continental success for an English club this year.

Hodgson has varied international football experience as a coach. He qualified with Switzerland for the 1994 World Cup and the 1996 Euro Cup.

At his peak as manager of Switzerland, the Swiss were the third best international side in the world. Hodgson never managed a top club with big names (except rebuilding Inter in the 90s), and his main strength is bringing out the best in mediocre footballers.

Harry Redknapp

"There's not an Englishman—whether it's me, Roy Hodgson or Sam Allardyce—who would turn the job down because it's our country and we want to manage our country," said Harry Redknapp the press today after the humiliation of the English side.

Redknapp began his management with a spell as player-assistant manager in the Seattle Sounders working there for three years until relinquishing his title in 1979.

The Englishman is a hero in Portsmouth. He won the FA Cup with the maritime club in 2008.

He took over at Tottenham in October when the London side was lying in the bottom of the league. Redknapp saved the team from relegation and guided them to the fourth place in 2010.

Tottenham overcame the omnipotent Manchester City to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Redknapp has never led a national team, but now he says it's high time for the FA to appoint an Englishmen for the position.

David Beckham

The legendary midfielder was about to fight for a place in the English team, but an injury ruled out his appearance in the 2010 World Cup.

He joined team England in South Africa, although his role was not specified. Becks has no managerial experience, but there are examples in the history of the World Cup that iconic players with no significant coaching experience were appointed as national team managers.

Juergen Klinsmann won a Bronze Medal with Germany in 2006. The success of Diego Maradona and Dunga is due to the fact that they are fully aware of the challenges a footballer faces.

Backham has 115 caps and is respected by the players in South Africa. Therefore, he would have the potential to reunite the squad.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill enjoyed great success in Scotland. He won the Scottish Premier League three times before joining Aston Villa.

O'Neill also assembled a formidable team in Birmingham. Aston Villa battled for fourth place in the Premiership, though they finished sixth in the end.

The Northern Irish coach has no experience on the national level, but he is considered one of the most talented managers in the Premiership.

He also appeared in the UEFA Cup final with Celtic in 2003, but he failed to win the cup.

Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce did a good job with the England Under 21s team, guiding them to the European Championship final last year. The English youngsters were beaten by Germany.

The former world-class defender has been Capello's right-hand man in the 2010 World Cup. Pearce had a rather unsuccessful coaching period with Manchester City.

He was also touted as a potential successor for England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, but considering his failure at Machester, he is unlikely to succeed Capello.

Guus Hiddink

Guus Hiddink enjoys huge reputation in England. His managerial pedigree is unquestionable.

He took over as a caretaker manager at Chelsea in February 2009. He restored the reeling confidence at the club and led them to the Champions League semi-finals.

Chelsea lost out to eventual winners Barcelona in a very controversial match, where at least one penalty was not awarded for the London side.

Hiddink has a wealth of experience on a national level. He reached the semifinals with South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.

He coached Russia in the 2008 Euro Cup, and the Dutchman also guided the Russians to the semifinals.

Hiddink may want to take command in England, but he has a contract with Turkey, and he is unlikely to leave before the next Euro Cup.

Fabio Capello may retain his job

Still, according to a recent poll, English fans want Fabio Capello more than any other coach.

Capello's managerial record is phenomenal. He won several Serie A titles, he won the Spanish Championship with Real Madrid, and he collected the Champions League trophy.

He built an inspiring English team, which succeeded in the qualifications for the 2010 World Cup. However, the much criticised Sven-Goran Eriksson managed to reach the quarter finals with England in three consecutive tournaments.

Capello may keep his place because of financial reasons. The English FA simply cannot make such a huge blunder with paying Capello and the new coach simultaneously till 2012.