A number of big names have been thrown about as a replacement, including Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello, Arsene Wenger, Javier Irrureta, Luis Felipe Scolari and Rafa Benitez. Wenger may feel he's had enough of England as Arsenal look below their usual form. Benitez isn't likely to skip out on Liverpool early into his reshaping of the team. Eriksson has said he will stay with England until after the World Cup. After Luxemburgo, Scolari's experience with Brazil may taint him.

With Real still in the hunt in the Champions League, whoever steps in has a big task, least of which is coordinating some precious personalities. Mourinho anyone?