Southgate was regarded as the “obvious” choice as caretaker by FA chief executive Martin Glenn but is understood to have serious misgivings as to whether this is the right thing for him to do at this stage of his career.

The 45-year-old former England defender had even been earmarked to take control of the first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in early September with Glenn suggesting that the FA are prepared to then wait for a permanent new manager.

It raises the strong possibility that the FA will now turn to former manager Glenn Hoddle to ascertain whether he is willing to be a caretaker as they search for Hodgson’s successor.

That may be a difficult appointment, even temporary, to sell to the general public but Hoddle is nevertheless keen. Slaven Bilic and Laurent Blanc have also now emerged as two more potential candidates for the FA.