AFTER four years, 56 matches and monumental failures at the last World Cup and this summer’s European Championships, Roy Hodgson has paved the way for another man to be charged with the task of leading England to glory.

Glory … if only! A last four place would do. It will be the 50th anniversary next month since our proud footballing nation won its only major honour, so a decent showing in a major finals would probably do for now.

While the England job might be perceived to be something of a poisoned chalice given the woeful showings under Hodgson, Fabio Capello and Steve McClaren, there will still be an almighty queue for the role.

Hodgson’s £3.5m salary was more than any other manager at the Euros in France, but the financial rewards will not be the only attraction for those interested in taking over.

After all England, after suffering the most embarrassing defeat in their history to Iceland on Monday having failed to make it out of the group in Brazil two years ago, can’t drop any lower, can they?

England need a fresh approach, new ideas, but where should the Football Association turn next? Here’s an assessment of the leading contenders and why Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, for instance, should be high in the FA’s thinking.

GARETH SOUTHGATE

Strengths: The former Middlesbrough boss has emerged as the early favourite, be it on his own or alongside someone like Glenn Hoddle. He is the Under-21s manager, works well with the FA and knows the next generation of stars. He boasts World Cup and Euros experience himself.

Weaknesses: He was in charge when Middlesbrough suffered relegation to the Championship in 2009 and his only other experience of management has been with the Under-21s. To be handed the senior national team job would be a huge step up for him, although he is of the right mentality to deal with the pressure.

Odds: 11/8

GLENN HODDLE

Strengths: The former Tottenham and Monaco midfielder was widely regarded as one of the most forward thinking and tactical managers around when he led England to the 1998 World Cup. Contentious comments, rather than footballing shortcomings, relating to disability and former life cost him his job. On his own or with someone else, he would know what he was doing.

Weaknesses: It is a decade since Hoddle last managed at any level and that was an unsuccessful stint at Wolves. Despite staying in touch with the game as a pundit with ITV and Sky Sports, as well as a brief coaching role in QPR, his hiatus could work against him when it comes to dealing with players and increased media pressures.

Odds: 7/1

EDDIE HOWE

Strengths: His work at Bournemouth has been phenomenal, having transformed them from a team facing a 17-point deficit in League Two to two consecutive seasons in the Premier League in just seven years. He is young and innovative, and has shown he knows how to deliver a terrific team spirit as well as an attractive team.

Weaknesses: With the exception of an 18-month period at Burnley – where he left for personal reasons – he has only known the Bournemouth way. He has dealt with the spotlight well in the top-flight, but could the 38-year-old deal with the egos of an international dressing room and the attention and pressures of the job.

Odds: 10/1

ALAN PARDEW

Strengths: The former Newcastle boss has shown he knows how to set up a team to get results. He got Reading, Southampton, West Ham and Newcastle playing well and did so in his first year at Crystal Palace too. He would love the attention that being the England boss would bring.

Weaknesses: Wherever he has managed, his early success has encountered problems, with question marks over whether he can continue to gain the respect of the dressing room. That was one of the reasons why things turned sour at Newcastle before he decided to leave.

Odds: 12/1

ALAN SHEARER

Strengths: Four years ago the FA approached him to see if he was interested in the job. He is a leader, passionate for his country and would gain respect of the players under his watch. His appointment could be seen as similar to Jurgen Klinsmann getting the Germany job in 2004, laying the foundations for subsequent success under Joachim Low.

Weaknesses: Shearer’s only managerial job lasted eight games as a caretaker for Newcastle in 2009, when he could not prevent relegation. He has been a pundit for the BBC ever since. Question marks remain over his coaching ability, even though Newcastle seemed doomed at that time anyway.

Odds: 12/1

SAM ALLARDYCE

Strengths: He is seen as a very safe pair of hands across the country and he would undoubtedly get England playing more effective football than they have. Wherever he has gone he has delivered results to a certain level, highlighted last season when he kept Sunderland up. He might even have taken Jermain Defoe to the Euros!

Weaknesses: Big Sam has been in the running on more than one occasion and in 2006 he was close to getting the job, only for the FA to opt for Steve McClaren instead. Sunderland supporters have bought into his style of play, but nationally he retains a reputation for ugly football which is a little unfair.

Odds: 16/1

Selected others:

Gary Neville 20/1; Brendan Rodgers 20/1; Arsene Wenger 20/1; Rafa Benitez 25/1; Jurgen Klinsmann 25/1.