So would you be if you'd been linked with the England job
Steve McClaren's future as England coach is likely to be decided not at Wembley but in Tel Aviv - as, if Russia take three points against Israel, qualification for Euro 2008 is effectively beyond his England side.
Indeed, speculation is rife that even if England were to somehow make the finals, the FA's top brass are already looking elsewhere to take the national side forward into the qualifying stages for World Cup 2010.
We take a look at the men considered to be main threats to Steve McClaren's job, and assess the chances of seeing them take over.
Who is your tip to be the next England manager? Join the forum discussions.
MARTIN O'NEILL
FOR: He was interviewed for the post after Sven's exit but wasn't offered it, in an eerie echo of the fate of his mentor Brian Clough three decades earlier. The FA may be keen to rectify what some see as a major error in overlooking the erudite and successful Ulsterman.
AGAINST:
After having been overlooked once, O'Neill may not want the job, and he may want to continue his rebuilding work at Aston Villa. Also, the FA may conclude that his lack of success with Celtic in the Champions League makes him a risky candidate.Get all the latest odds for Martin O'Neill to be the next England manager
JOSE MOURINHO
FOR: After his exit from Chelsea, he will have a point to prove to English football: he enjoys living here, and would be a highly popular and exciting appointment for both fans and players.
AGAINST:
Has not yet shown an interest in international management, and is unlikely to return to English football for what is effectively a part-time job.Get all the latest odds for Jose Mourinho to be the next England manager
FABIO CAPELLO
FOR: Out of work since being fired by Real Madrid in the summer, the Italian might relish the chance to take over one of the game's elite positions.
AGAINST:
Has never managed at international level, and is likely to fall foul in the language ability stakes.Get all the latest odds for Fabio Capello to be the next England manager
LUIS FELIPE SCOLARI
FOR: Immaculate credentials, and was the FA's top choice a year ago, and since then has made himself several enemies within the Portuguese FA - not least for belting an opposing player with a tasty left hook after a 1-1 draw with Serbia in September. So he may be up for reconsidering the job.
AGAINST:
He rejected the job as he didn't fancy the press intrusion, and that is not likely to change - plus doubts remain over his commitment and over his language ability.Get all the latest odds for Luis Felipe Scolari to be the next England manager
STUART PEARCE
FOR: A sterling career in the national side, along with a successful start to his tenure as under-21 boss, means he certainly knows what it takes to succeed at this level. He would also be a popular choice for those who demand an Englishman for the post.
AGAINST:
An uninspiring spell in charge of Manchester City showed the flaws in his management ability, and many believe that to appoint Pearce would be a step back to the days of prizing passion and commitment over skill and technique.Get all the latest odds for Stuart Pearce to be the next England manager
Where did it all go wrong? We take a look at the reason for the failure of McClaren's England
VIDEO: Steven Gerrard on the crucial qualifier against Croatia
Can England win the right to stage the World Cup in 2018? Have your say.
14th November 2007
