The Football Association feel they cannot be rushed into a decision on the next England manager, despite Sunderland’s frustrations over Sam Allardyce, and with no approach yet made to Hull City over Steve Bruce the process has at least a week to run.

The governing body acknowledge Sunderland’s concern about the damage the approach to Allardyce is having on their preparations for the new Premier League campaign. But the absence of contact with Hull over Bruce, who would appear to be worthy of interview at least, is puzzling and suggests that there is considerable work to do before all options are exhausted by England.

Though Allardyce is considered favourite, the idea that the governing body have chosen their man and are homing in on an appointment is premature. There are several other possible candidates, including the United States manager Jurgen Klinnsman, who will be interviewed. It is thought that the process is likely to accelerate next week, when there is expected to be greater focus on the preferred candidate.

Ideally, England want to make an appointment some weeks before the first England game of the new era – a friendly against as-yet unnamed opposition on September 1, which it is anticipated will be held at Wembley. The World Cup qualifier against Slovakia follows three days later. Though achieving that goal now seems highly likely, the notion of an interim manager guiding England through the first World Cup qualifiers has not been entirely dismissed

As of Thursday afternoon there had been no contact with Hull over Bruce, which is puzzling since he appears to be in the vanguard of experienced English managers who are interested in the position. At the very least, the FA can protect themselves against future accusations that they might have lacked thoroughness by speaking to Bruce now.

Hull’s decision to reveal an approach has not taken place underlines how destabilising the backdraft of England selection process is for Premier League sides. Sunderland are finding it difficult to sign players because of the uncertainty surrounding their manager, and if Allardyce is going to leave, they would prefer it to happen quickly.

Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Show all 8 1 /8 Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Eddie Howe, Bournemouth The most attractive option. While Eddie Howe lacks the experience of managing a major European club, his work at Bournemouth has been nothing short of miraculous. Having previously revealed he would jump at the chance to manage his country, he could be a good bet. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Brendan Rodgers, Celtic Despite being a joke figure for some, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is another name usually thrown into the hat for potential replacements. After failing to deliver silverware at Liverpool, however, and recently signing a contract with the Scottish champions, it remains unlikely. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Roberto Martinez The former Everton manager is 'conditioned' to English football meaning the FA hierarchy may be prepared to overlook his Spanish roots. Roberto Martinez was considered one of the most promising managers in European football, before it went wrong at Goodison Park. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace The Crystal Palace manager has long been considered an option for England but his stock has fallen considerably after a torrid end to the most recent Premier League season. FA chiefs may, however, be prepared to overlook his misgivings if they elect to sack Hodgson. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Sean Dyche, Burnley While some may grumble, the Burnley boss is another who has worked wonders on a shoestring budget. Despite relegation with Burnley two seasons ago, the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ continues to produce sides capable of beating the odds. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Glenn Hoddle Having previously taken charge of the national team and not managed since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006, Hoddle would be a surprise choice. Dismissed from the England job in 1999 after making controversial comments about disabled people. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Gary Neville The former Manchester United defender’s spell at Valencia may have been disastrous, but Gary Neville is highly thought of at the FA. Having worked under Hodgson, he will also be acutely aware of England’s deficiencies. It may well prove to be a sensible choice. Getty Possible Roy Hodgson replacements Laurent Blanc Dismissed by Paris Saint-Germain recently, Blanc would be a leading name among the foreign candidates for the job. Previously took charge of the France national team between 2010 and 2012. Getty

The links between Bruce and the national job will have a similar effect, though he has never seemed as likely a replacement for Roy Hodgson.

Sunderland are desperate to avoid being stuck in managerial limbo at the start of a Premier League in which they want to avoid yet another relegation battle – and have started sounding out possible successors for Allardyce.