The FA fear Fabio Capello is preparing to quit if England fail to beat Slovenia on Wednesday.
Less than three weeks after removing an escape clause from a contract which expires in 2012, Capello is believed to be concerned about splits in the squad which he feels have undermined his World Cup plans.
Roy Hodgson would be the FA's top choice if they were to lose the Italian and the Fulham manager is trying to stall committing to Liverpool until after England's game on Wednesday.
Victory in Port Elizabeth would secure a place in the last 16 but the damage may have been done as far as Capello is concerned.