To start with the caveat: of all the candidates who might lead England towards the 2026 World Cup, no one has stronger claims than Gareth Southgate; if he wants the job, it should be his for another two years.
But while his tournament record would be enough to give him that right, among the many reasons for the FA's desperation for him to stay is surely the lack of options.
Graham Potter is the favourite, but feels an uninspiring choice and has doubts over his ability to handle the extreme scrutiny of the biggest jobs, after a short reign at Chelsea.
Eddie Howe has been the best English manager in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, but one of Southgate's great achievements has been in bringing an eloquent social conscience to the role, whereas the Newcastle boss is of the 'stick to football' mould.
Lee Carsley would be the continuity option if stepping from the Under-21s, but has never been a senior No1. Sarina Wiegman is another intriguing internal candidate, but has her own European Championship to defend with the Lionesses next year.
Mauricio Pochettino would be the sexiest and perhaps smartest choice, despite the FA's likely preference for an English coach.
Of the left-field runners, what about Brentford's Thomas Frank? He is not English either, but, like Pochettino, is an established face in the English game and has experience within a national set-up, having worked with Denmark's youth teams.
The 50-year-old has proven himself versatile: his Brentford team playing dazzling football in the Championship and then more pragmatic stuff when demanded in the Premier League. His attributes echo the best of Southgate — loyal, adored by players, confident and thoughtful in the press, open-minded and unorthodox in hunting for every edge.
Would he want the gig at a time when his stock is still rising? That is one of the unknowns. But with the obvious candidates all a bit mediocre, the question would be worth asking.
