Even as late as yesterday lunchtime there appeared no immediate threat to the match, which is expected to attract in excess of 70,000 fans.

However, the escalation in violence has led to serious concerns about the Metropolitan Police deploying a significant number of officers at Wembley during a time when they are required to restore order elsewhere.

Although there have been no formal talks planned between the FA and the police other than those which would take place as a matter of routine, it seems inevitable there will be contact at some stage this morning.

The Dutch team are due to fly out of Amsterdam today and the police will be anxious to prevent fans turning up at Wembley tomorrow and finding the game is not going ahead, exacerbating an already volatile situation.

Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were just two of the England players who watched events unfold from the team HQ in Watford - the town that is due to play host to Nigeria's friendly with Ghana this evening - and expressed their revulsion.

"I can't sleep," said Ferdinand on Twitter.

"I've got the news stations on watching the coverage of the riots. This is madness."

Rooney had earlier appealed for calm.

"These riots are nuts why would people do this to there (sic) own country. Own city. This is embarrassing for our country. Stop please."

Carling Cup ties due to be played at West Ham and Charlton this evening have already been postponed, although clearly the loss of an England game would have much more impact on local businesses, especially as it could not be re-arranged during this international window.

The FA have already confirmed the final decision will be left to the police, which they will abide by.