England boss Roy Hodgson insists he will not be caught by surprise by the massive expectation that comes with his new job.
Many pundits have branded being in charge of the Three Lions an impossible task but Hodgson clearly does not think so after signing a four-year contract to replace Fabio Capello.
It is a fair bet the scrutiny will be more intense than he is used to, with only two spells at Inter Milan and that ill-fated stint at Liverpool to compare.
But Hodgson remains calm. And is ready for whatever is thrown at him.
"I realise what I'm going into," he said.
"I'm not naïve and have been in football a long while. We're dealing with enormous expectations."
In addition, Hodgson has to cope with the knowledge that he is not the people's choice.
That honour belonged to Harry Redknapp, who remained overwhelming favourite before the FA confirmed West Brom had granted them permission to speak with Hodgson on Sunday evening.
FA chairman David Bernstein refused to discuss the reasons why Redknapp was ignored, Hodgson knows he cannot escape the comparisons, a situation that is uncomfortably similar to the one he encountered at Liverpool, where the spectre of Kenny Dalglish hung over him for his ill-fated six months in charge.
"I'd have to be on another planet not to be aware of the situation," he said.
"But there is one major difference between my time at Liverpool and being offered the job as England manager.
"The people who appointed me at Liverpool didn't have a chance to stay very long and others took over the club.
"The FA had a lot of time to decide which candidate they wanted to do the job, and I'm happy it was me."
It did seem that two major factors counted in Hodgson's favour, that he was out of contract in the summer and he would be well disposed to spending time at the FA's impressive new coaching hub at Burton, which is due to open in September.
The whole St George's Park concept has been linked with the England job and the need for some integration is obvious.
However, Hodgson's ties to the National Football Centre may be looser than many people imagined.
"My aim is to be based in London, where I have lived and have had an apartment for a good number of years," he said.
"I will be at St George's Park when there are events where I can be of use: younger teams, who I might do some coaching with.
"There will be an office available, but as far as I'm aware, the job is England manager. That means managing the England football team. Anything I can do at St George's Park will be a bonus."
