Marley has been England Women U19s manager since 2001, combining it with the Everton Ladies job until 2012, before focusing solely on The Lionesses. Should she be Sampson’s eventual replacement?

The 50-year-old has an excellent record with club and country, winning the FA Women’s Premier League Cup in 2008 and the FA Women’s Cup in 2010 with Everton, while also qualifying three times for the Champions League.

Her playing CV is superb as she has captained England and earned 41 caps. Marley also has an MBE and is one of the fewer female coaches in England with a Pro Licence, meaning she can manage in the Premier League.

The fact that she has managed nearly all the England players through the years is a big advantage and she is well-respected in the game. Under her stewardship, England reached the U19 finals many times in 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Marley’s side won the tournament in 2009 with now Gilly Flaherty, Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs, Izzy Christiansen, Jade Moore and Toni Duggan – players who have sinced progressed to the senior team.

She was also a runner-up in 2013 with recognisable names such as Nikita Parris, Hannah Blundell and Melissa Lawley. The 2010 generation also reached the final with Lucy Bronze, Gilly Flaherty, Izzy Christiansen, Jordan Nobbs, Demi Stokes and Toni Duggan featuring. In 2007, it was Ellen White, Claire Rafferty and Jade Moore who helped England’s youth side reach the final.

The former Everton Ladies coach also managed the England U20 team during multiple World Cups. Her side reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2008 tournaments, although her side were eliminated in the group stages of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup.

Marley is well-qualified with a lot of international experience and would be an ideal candidate,  either at the end of the European Championships or after the 2019 World Cup, whenever Mark Sampson leaves his post.