The worst-kept secret in football is out – England have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager.
The former Sunderland boss replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down after the Three Lions were eliminated from Euro 2016 by Iceland in the last 16.
The 61-year-old will be at the helm when England kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He is understood to have agreed an initial two-year contract, which may be extended depending on how the campaign plays out.
It's official. We are delighted to announce that Sam Allardyce is the new manager of the #ThreeLions! pic.twitter.com/7L3y9S62TP
— England (@England) July 22, 2016
Allardyce’s appointment marks the first time since 1999 that England have appointed successive English managers to the role.
Before his nine-month stint in charge of Sunderland, ‘Big Sam’ had spells in charge of West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League.
England will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in September with an away game in Slovakia. The other teams in their qualifying group are Scotland, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta.
There had been some speculation that Steve Bruce might steal in at the eleventh hour to take the job, after leaving his post at Hull City, but Allardyce’s appointment has sparked suggestions that Bruce may instead replace his rival at the Stadium of Light.
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