Euro 2012 Betting: Don't discount Hoddle for England role

Given the spectacular dearth of realistic candidates, Hoddle has plenty in his favour, not least his experience of the position. Even if he's not regarded as a long-term solution, he's most certainly a viable contender to take charge on an interim basis.

Hoddle was widely considered to have done a very respectable job in the late nineties and his departure of course had precious little to do with football. Though England crashed out of France 98 in the first knockout round, the noble manner of defeat to Argentina was anything but a disgrace.

His side played an attractive brand of football that England fans have long craved and that alone could endear him to David Bernstein. And unlike Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson, the former Spurs boss is available immediately. An end-of-season appointment would leave the prospective boss with very little time to plan, while Hoddle could start drafting his squad tomorrow.

Finances also make Hoddle a tempting proposition. After the very expensive mistake called Fabio Capello, the FA should be reluctant to splash the cash only to be left with egg on their face once more. Daniel Levy will inevitably demand an enormous settlement to release Redknapp from his contract.

Elsewhere, Hoddle's hiatus from football shouldn't automatically rule him out. Hoddle has not worked as a manager since leaving Wolves in 2006 but that's not to say he can't make a successful return to the game.

Vicente del Bosque was sacked as Besiktas manager in January 2005 and was subsequently out of work until being appointed Spain's coach in 2008. Needless to say, it's not a decision Spain have lived to regret. Hoddle is a very generous 75.074/1 to be handed the reins for Euro 2012.

Though England are in disarray with the tournament in such close proximity, they remain fourth favourites at 10.519/2 to come out on top in Poland and Ukraine. They can also be backed at 2.747/4 to win group D ahead of France.