Next England manager odds: Eddie Howe, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter
Gareth Southgate has not yet made official his leaving date, although everything - including Southgate's demeanour - suggests this summer's Euro 2024 finals in Germany will be his curtain call.
It has even got to the stage of him being the favourite to become the next Manchester United boss - another job not yet vacant.
So who are the favourites to replace the man who has reached a World Cup semi-final, European Championship final and World Cup quarter-final during an eight-year tenure?
Next permanent England manager odds (via Sky Bet)
- Eddie Howe - 4/1
- Graham Potter - 8/1
- Jurgen Klopp - 8/1
- Pep Guardiola - 8/1
- Jose Mourinho - 10/1
- Lee Carsley - 10/1
- Steve Cooper - 12/1
- Steven Gerrard - 16/1
- 20/1 bar
Howe about Eddie?
If the FA are to search for an Englishman within the Premier League, Eddie Howe logically springs to mind.
The 45-year-old has gradually edged into favouritism over the course of the season despite (or perhaps because of) a less successful campaign for Newcastle.
Last season's top-four finish was always going to be difficult to match or improve on and despite overseeing an iconic Champions League night against PSG, that European journey ultimately ended in anticlimactic fashion.
Suspicions that the ultra-ambitious Magpies owners may eventually jettison Howe surely contributes to his market-leading position.
Howe was fantastic as Bournemouth boss, propelling the Cherries to the most successful period in the club's history, and has proven at St James' Park that he can handle the step up to a higher-profile position and situation.
Potter to work his magic?
Ever since his success at Brighton, Graham Potter has been touted as a future England boss.
For a long time, his disappointing spell at Chelsea did not convince the bookmakers otherwise as he remained at the head of the betting to replace Southgate.
The 48 year old remains out of work following his departure from Stamford Bridge in early 2023 but has reportedly not been short of offers.
It feels highly unlikely Potter will remain unemployed beyond this summer.
Pep or Klopp?
The underwhelming achievements of the Fabio Capello era seem to have frightened the FA away from a foreign appointment, with Southgate following Roy Hodgson and Sam Allardyce into the role.
But should the soon to be unemployed Jurgen Klopp, or potential back-to-back treble-winning Pep Guardiola be available, that would have to be a different situation - surely?
Guardiola has arguably achieved everything there is to achieve in the club game. What's left for him to do?
With the Germany job likely to be available after this summer it seems more likely Klopp would look to that as a feasible next option, but the lack of a clear favourite for the next England manager explains why the bookies have this legendary managerial duo so short in the betting, however outlandish it may seem.
FA favour continuity over fashion?
The success the FA have enjoyed with Southgate's reign and his renaissance of the England team means they could perhaps be persuaded to again appoint from within.
Under-21s boss Lee Carsley recently turned down the chance to become Republic of Ireland manager, with it rumoured that he believes he has a chance of succeeding Southgate this summer.
Whether he has the personality and man-management skills to match remains to be seen, on top of the fact that while he was born in Birmingham he played his international football for the Republic, winning 40 caps.
There's no denying his efforts in guiding England's youngsters to glory this summer were incredibly impressive, though.
Odds correct 1330 BST (20/03/24)
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