Kevin Muscat. Cut from a similar cloth to Ange Postecoglou, under whom he served his apprenticeship at Melbourne Victory, the former Socceroos defender appears the strongest Australian option - but might not be available. Muscat has the mentality and ruthless approach required to grind this Socceroos cohort through qualifying.

Herve Renard. A bit of a nomad, but the emotive Frenchman has outperformed expectations at almost every turn. After qualifying Morocco for the 2018 World Cup, he qualified Saudi Arabia for the 2022 tournament and in Qatar oversaw a famous group-stage win over eventual champions Argentina. Known for high-tempo pressing and lifting players to new heights.

Nick Montgomery. The most successful Central Coast Mariners coach since, well, Graham Arnold, and wildcard option that could reap massive rewards. Now a member of Postecoglou’s coaching staff at Tottenham, Montgomery is only 42 but has already proven his capacity to develop youth while also overseeing experienced players.

Tony Popovic. It feels apt that this year marks the 10-year anniversary of Popa’s Western Sydney Wanderers winning the 2014 Asian Champions League. Untested as a manager at international level, and known for demanding complete control over programs and backroom staff, which would require some compromise from Football Australia.

John Aloisi. Was one of the names doing the rounds during the 2022 World Cup, when it was not yet clear if FA would offer Arnold a contract extension - or if he would even accept one. The Socceroos great has ebbed and flowed in terms of success as a manager but overhauled the culture after being appointed at Western United in 2021, taking the club from 10th place the previous season to A-League Men champions the next.