Sam Allardyce named England coach as captain Wayne Rooney welcomes the new manager

Sam Allardyce has been appointed England manager.

The 61-year-old signed an initial two-year deal after compensation was agreed with Sunderland, whom he steered to Premier League safety last season.


He succeeds Roy Hodgson, who quit after England were knocked out of Euro 2016 in the last 16 by Iceland.

Allardyce, whose first game in charge will be a friendly at Wembley on 1 September against as yet unnamed opponents, said he was "honoured".

He added: "It is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.

"I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud."

Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn said: "His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice.

"We could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on England's future."

A statement on the English FA's website said Allardyce's primary target is qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but he "is also charged with helping technical director Dan Ashworth integrate and strengthen the FA's elite performance and coaching programme across the England senior and development teams at St George's Park".

Allardyce's first competitive match will be in Slovakia on 4 September as England begin their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

He leaves Sunderland after nine months, and the Black Cats are now looking for their ninth manager in eight years.

A statement from the club read: "The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club's new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity."

Allardyce, a former Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham boss, becomes the 14th permanent England manager.

He has never won a major trophy but did win promotion to the Premier League with Bolton and West Ham.

Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Rooney, England's all-time leading goalscorer, was part of the squad knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland in June.


"He will probably bring a different way of playing to England," he said.
"Hopefully it's a good way and we can be successful under him."
The 30-year-old said he had no intention of retiring from international football.
"Am I going to carry on?" said Rooney, who has scored 53 times for England in 115 appearances. "It was asked of me after the Euros, but yes, I'll be there."

The former Everton striker was speaking during United's pre-season tour of China, which they started with a 4-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund.

Content Credit: BBC Sport