THE BOSS: Is Blanc the right man for the job?

And that could clear the way for Laurent Blanc, who has emerged as a shock contender.

Under-21s coach Southgate was sounded out in early May about the possibility of taking over on a temporary role if Roy Hodgson left after the Euros.

Hodgson quit on Monday after the disastrous 2-1 defat to Iceland, clearing the way for the former Middlesbrough boss.

But after a lot of soul-searching Southgate has decided he has too much to lose by taking on one of football’s toughest jobs.

He has even told FA chiefs he does not want to be considered for the role on a permanent basis.

Southgate has seen the effects failure with the Three Lions has had on the careers of previous England managers, including Graham Taylor and Hodgson.

The England job is rapidly becoming a poisoned chalice, with coaches realising what a huge challenge they face motivating and inspiring players paid way in excess what they are.

It is also understood Southgate does not have a great relationship with FA technical director Dan Ashworth, whose job the 45-year-old turned down.

Southgate wants to manage in the Premier League again and fears being tarnished by any poor England performance could wreck his chances.

His decision could see a swift move for axed Paris St-Germain boss Blanc, who took France to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 and who is hugely admired by David Gill.

Former Manchester United star Blanc was linked with role on the same day Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger declined to rule himself out of running.

Asked about the suggestion he was the man the FA would wait a year for - until his contract runs out at The Emirates, he would only say: “No reaction thank you.”

But former Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who appointed Wenger, told Starsport such an offer may have come too late.

"I want him to stay at Arsenal,” he said. “He is would be 67 when his contract is up and turn 69 a few months after the World Cup. It is quite senior to be in that sort of role.”

Blanc is 16 years Wenger’s junior and has coached big personalities - including Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Paris.

He is regarded as a coaching geek who enjoys working at all levels, which fits the FA’s job description.

The 50-year-old had two successful seasons as a player at Old Trafford, winning the title in 2003. He has won the League with PSG for the last three seasons, but was sacked for failing to progress in the Champions League.

He speaks good English and looks to have a major ally in FA vice-chairman Gill, who is picking the new England along with chief executive Martin Glenn and technical director Ashworth.

Southgate’s decsion is huge blow for the FA, who on Tuesday seemed convinced he would be happy to take over, with England’s first World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on September 4.