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Harry Redknapp has an easy way with his players © Getty Images

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Following Fabio Capello's resignation, the FA will begin the process of drawing up a shortlist for his replacement as England manager on Friday. Look no further David Bernstein and Co, we've racked our brains to give you a headstart...

Harry Redknapp
Starting with the favourite to land the job, Redknapp has proved he has the stamina for a challenge after being cleared of tax evasion on Wednesday, with the 64-year-old describing his ordeal as a five-year-long "nightmare". A spring chicken he isn't, and Redknapp will be the wrong age for some, but he's a mere spotty teen compared with grandpa Sir Alex Ferguson over at Old Trafford. Since arriving at White Hart Lane in 2008, Redknapp has taken Tottenham from a position marooned at the foot of the Premier League to their current soaring position of third. So the omens are good; Spurs have been transformed into an eye-catching and successful outfit... maybe Harry can do the same with England's sorry lot.

Martin O'Neill
O'Neill may have thrown his backing behind Redknapp to succeed Capello, therefore ruling himself out of the running, but if the FA comes knocking then those words of support will miraculously be erased from O'Neill's memory. It's every man for himself in this game, right? Don't let the glasses fool you, O'Neill's vision is one of his strengths, and he is rapidly putting the building blocks in place for something spectacular at Sunderland. Since replacing Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light, O'Neill has helped the Black Cats climb from third bottom to eighth in only two months at the helm - although you wouldn't have known so listening to him on Thursday. "Do I think I've cracked it? Absolutely not," the Ulsterman said. "Disaster is around the corner. It is, it's lurking, it's incredibly negative. Am I thinking about the bad times ahead? Jesus, no. I've got to remain positive, I'm going to fight this negativity!" And..... breathe Martin.

Stuart Pearce
Pearce is already taking temporary charge for the match against Netherlands at Wembley later this month, and it will be a brave man who will tell 'Psycho' he's no longer wanted. The fiercely patriotic former left-back knows a thing or two about the younger players having managed the U21 side, so if we're lucky we might see the back of some of the has-beens - although that will basically leave Wayne Rooney and a crocked Jack Wilshere to fend for themselves. Did someone call for a player-manager? I'm sure there are some size 11's kicking around somewhere, and England are in desperate need of someone with a decent left peg. Stu, dig out that shirt from Euro '96 and lace the boots, your country needs you.

Guus Hiddink
Mr Hiddink would add a bit of colour; he is Dutch after all. Well known to the Chelsea players following his successful stint at Stamford Bridge, Hiddink is an ideal candidate because he knows the English game and, perhaps more importantly, he speaks the language. His record at major finals isn't bad either - he took South Korea and Holland to the World Cup semis, Russia to the last four of Euro 2008 and Australia to their best ever finish (second round of the 2006 World Cup). So no international final? Sounds a perfect fit.

Would Scotsman David Moyes be a popular choice? © Getty Images

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David Moyes
Try as he might, there is no chance of Moyes hiding that thick Scottish accent. However, despite not being born in the country, he's spent decades in north-west England and has enjoyed moderate success with Everton in recent years. One of his greatest qualities is making the very best of limited resources, so the lack of world class players wouldn't be a problem for the Glaswegian. He's the third longest serving manager in the Premier League, so either his loyalty is mightily impressive or he hasn't been able to get work elsewhere. Forget his CV for a moment and focus your mind on his pragmatic approach; Moyes will be well aware England can't outpass Spain, but he'll also know England fans won't stand for the sort of bland football served up by Sam Allardyce's teams.

Jose Mourinho
The 'Special One' isn't having everything his own way at Real Madrid and, if you believe the rumours, he'll be leaving the Spanish giants in the summer. If the FA decides to pursue the opinionated Portuguese, then Bernstein and Co will need to don their hard hats because Mourinho isn't one to back down when a confrontation is brewing. With a perfect grasp of English - albeit with the occasional mistranslations - Mourinho thrives under the spotlight and would enjoy the media circus associated with such a high profile job. But it's not all about him; his ego would have to take a back seat at times (I know, hardly the easiest thing to imagine). If the FA could afford him, he could be the man to put some silverware in England's pretty bare trophy cabinet, but everyone would have to strap in because the ride would be anything but smooth.

Arsene Wenger
With his Arsenal future up in the air, Arsene Wenger could be on the FA's shortlist. Or not. A lover of beautiful football, which doesn't always yield goals, Wenger's thirst for slick passing and wonderfully-crafted openings is unlikely to be quenched if he took the reins at England. Don't get me wrong, we've got some stand-out payers: Gareth Barry can scare defenders with his electrifying pace; Andy Carroll knows how to justify a £35 million price tag and Stewart Downing can... cross? Wenger must be chomping at the bit to work with these modern greats. His yearning is so great he has even not won anything at Arsenal for six years so he can make a rapid departure and answer England's call.

Alan Curbishley
Despite several high profile managerial vacancies, Curbishley has resisted the temptation of returning to the dugout in favour of sitting in the warm surroundings of a studio. The TV pundit has probably forgotten what management is like nearly four years on from resigning his post at Upton Park, but a fresh approach may suit everybody. After quitting the club because he wasn't consulted when key players Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney were sold without his permission, Curbishley was paid £2.2 million in compensation after winning his case for constructive dismissal against the Hammers. With FIFA yet to introduce international transfers, Wayne Rooney won't be poached by Holland and one potential barrier stopping Curbishley from being England's saviour has been lifted.

Would Rafa Benitez be taken seriously? © Getty Images

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Roy Hodgson
Hodgson's judgement is questionable - he was strongly tipped to replace Capello following the ill-fated 2010 World Cup campaign but, before the FA made its decision, he opted for a disastrous spell with Liverpool - so it won't be a surprise if he ends up leading the Three Lions to Euro 2012. Softly spoken and not known for his fiery temperament, Hodgson could be a fish out of water when thrown in with the likes of Rooney and John Terry, and he'll bring discipline - which may have most of the players running for the hills.

Rafa Benitez
Who cares if his reputation is laying in the gutter after sorry ends to his reigns at Liverpool and Inter? The man is a Champions League winner let's not forget. We had McClaren with the brolly, imagine Benitez with the goatee. Actually don't.

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