Liverpool will only be Roy Hodgson’s second choice for a new managerial destination, behind that of the England vacancy should the Three Lions fail to qualify for the last 16 in the World Cup 2010 finals. The Fulham boss is understood to be waiting for the next development in the England managerial situation with Fabio Capello reportedly set to resign if the country fails to beat Slovenia in a crucial game this Wednesday.

The Football Association has also apparently earmarked the Craven Cottage coach as the man to succeed the Italian after a season in which Hodgson has impressed in leading Fulham to the Europa League final while continuing to secure Premier League stability on a modest budget.

Hodgson is himself less than keen on the Liverpool job due to the uncertainty that continues to surround the club over the current American co-ownership and potential takeovers. The former Inter Milan coach will find it difficult to operate with the position less than secure and also a lack of transfer funds which, despite assurances from the Liverpool board, is well known in the footballing circle to be almost non-existent at the debt-ridden Anfield club.

Liverpool are already set to offer Hodgson the position early this week but such is the decline of the most successful club in English football that what was once one of the most coveted jobs within managerial circles worldwide has now become only a second choice for a man whom many of the club’s fans are not even sure is the best choice to save their fortunes.

However, Hodgson is also unlikely to wait too long for the FA to act should Capello step down from his post, with Liverpool not in a position to do the same similarly. The Anfield giants have already interviewed a number of other candidates with former Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini also currently in England, while fan favourite Kenny Dalglish has already indicated that he is ready to step in should the club need him.

Tags: England, English Premier League, Fabio Capello, football managers, Fulham, Liverpool, Roy Hodgson, World Cup, World Cup 2010