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Top 6 candidates to replace disgraced Allardyce as England boss

Reuters

One of football's most thankless jobs is up for grabs, again.

A day after damaging revelations were uncovered by a newspaper investigation, the Football Association severed ties with Sam Allardyce. His departure comes after Allardyce's admitted error in judgment when he was filmed advising undercover reporters on, among other things, how to manipulate the Football Association's rules regarding third party ownership of players.

Tuesday's announcement not only brings an end to Allardyce's 67 days in charge of The Three Lions, it also begins the great debate as to who should lead England next.

Gareth Southgate has been named interim manager for the team's next four matches, and could realistically take over on a permanent basis. But who are some of the other candidates that the FA might consider?

Favourites

Alan Pardew - Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's positive form to start the season could vault Alan Pardew into the fray of favourites that the FA might consider as Allardyce's replacement. His appointment would represent somewhat of a "safe" selection when considering his experience managing top-flight teams.

Eddie Howe - Bournemouth

Pegged as England's most promising football tactician, Eddie Howe will likely be one of the most talked about candidates during the FA's search. The biggest question will likely be Howe's willingness to walk away from Bournemouth and take over a project that presents a significantly bigger challenge than Bournemouth's storybook rise to the Premier League. However, at 38, Howe has time on his side and will likely have a chance to manage the Three Lions in the future.

Steve Bruce - Unemployed

Steve Bruce, who has been out of a job since leaving Hull City during the summer, narrowly missed out on the role during the FA's summer search. But, similar to Pardew, Bruce is about the safest, and arguably most lackluster, candidate available. His reported close relationship with Allardyce could ultimately cost him a chance at the job for the second time in three months.

Long-shots

Roberto Mancini - Unemployed

Experience in the Premier League could lead the FA to Roberto Mancini's doorstep in an attempt to bring the Italian coach back to England. Mancini, who won the league with Manchester City in 2012, has emerged as a candidate once again after reports suggested he was in the thick of things when Allardyce was appointed.

Laurent Blanc - Unemployed

Although he has not coached in England, Laurent Blanc at least has playing experience following his time with Manchester United. His coaching credentials aren't bad, either, following his time with French champions Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, who he led to the quarter-finals at Euro 2012. He was reportedly considered for the role when the FA's three-man panel identified candidates last summer, and will likely be considered once again after being replaced in the French capital.

Jurgen Klinsmann - United States

The appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann would certainly raise eyebrows on both sides of the pond. While his accolades on the pitch are well documented and respected, the same can't be said for his tactics from the touchline. After being credited as one of the main engineers behind the success of Germany's national team, Klinsmann was hardly admired when he was dismissed by Die Mannschaft in 2006 before taking on the challenge of managing the United States. With only one trophy (2013 Gold Cup) under his belt since taking charge in 2011, perhaps it's time Klinsmann looks for a fresh start elsewhere.

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