The main contenders for hot seat

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON is to step down as England head coach after the World Cup in the summer.

We list some of the candidates to replace him.

STEVE McCLAREN

The 'lazy' choice McClaren works closely within the current set-up as a coach and only his indifferent record at Middlesbrough will hinder his chances.

STUART PEARCE

The current golden boy of young English managers having taken over at Manchester City to good effect last season. However, Pearce is the most inexperienced manager in the Premiership and would be a brave appointment.

SAM ALLARDYCE

One of the best tacticians in the English top flight, Allardyce knows how to get results and get the best from his players but the game plan which serves him so well at Bolton would not be well received by England fans.

ALAN CURBISHLEY

Until a year ago the Charlton chief was strongly tipped as a future England boss. But the Addicks' inconsistent form has cast doubts over his suitability, but weekend support from Sir Bobby Robson cannot have hurt his cause.

MARTIN O'NEILL

He may not be English, but O'Neill may favour a 'part-time' role having left Celtic due to family commitments and has European experience and a proven record.

ARSENE WENGER

The French boss may be stagnating at Arsenal and could fancy a new challenge. Leaving to take the England job would be an amicable way of stepping down at Highbury but Wenger remains an unlikely candidate.

JOSE MOURINHO

He likes a challenge, relishes confrontation and already has a working relationship with a host of England's Chelsea players. If he wins the Champions League in May he may be prepared to seek pastures new. But Eriksson himself revealed Mourinho would be too expensive.

In his News of the World 'expose' he was quoted as saying: "I have two more years with the FA and there I have £3million net per year, plus bonuses. I think Mourinho today.... is on £5million net. I think he might be the highest paid today."

GUUS HIDDINK

The 'Mr Fix-it' of international football, Dutchman Hiddink has led his own country, then South Korea, and now Australia with aplomb and should the FA decide to bring someone in from abroad, he would be the best candidate.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI

The Brazilian masterminded the downfall of England at both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. After a highly successful club career, 'Big Phil' then led Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup before taking over as Portugal manager and guiding them to the European Championship final where they lost to Greece.

His contract is up after this year's World Cup and he has previously expressed an interest in moving to England. A leading candidate.