Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn has revealed that he is considering appointing Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate on an interim basis.
Roy Hodgson resigned from the post in the wake of England's Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland on Monday night, and Southgate was quickly installed as the early favourite to succeed the 68-year-old.
Glenn has insisted that the three-man selection team will take their time over making the right choice, and left the door open for an interim appointment ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September.
Asked whether Southgate could be in charge for that match, Glenn told reporters: "We'll see. We'd like to get one for the first World Cup qualifier, but if we don't we have an interim plan in mind.
"We are not talking about names but it would be a pretty obvious one to pick. It's such an important decision. We have got to get the right person. To wait a few months - if that's what we had to do - would be the right decision. You might get a few interim solutions, where a few managers come to help."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been touted as a possible successor when his contract ends next summer, but Glenn hinted that he would not like to wait that long.
"It would be unlikely. A lot of things can happen in a year which may undo your plans. So what I am saying is it is hypothetical. I wouldn't rule it out but I would say it would be less likely," he added.
Glenn suggested earlier today that he would consider foreign candidates for the role.
Barney Corkhill
