As a former captain of Aston Villa, Gareth Southgate has more than a passing interest in who manages that particular club.
On Thursday he was at pains to hint that Dean Smith probably didn't deserve to be sacked while at the same point heralding the return of Steven Gerrard to English football.
It's not the identity of the new Villa boss that interests Southgate so much, more the nationality. With Eddie Howe joining Newcastle this week, the national boss is keen to see as many English coaches in circulation simply because he would like one of them to inherit his position one day.