Sam Allardyce named new England manager after FA reaches agreement with Sunderland

Allardyce replaces Roy Hodgson after the former England boss quit following the Euro 2016 defeat by Iceland

Sam Alladyce has been named as the new England manager after the Football Association agreed a deal with Sunderland to trigger a release of his contract.

The former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and West Ham United manager replaces Roy Hodgson as England manager after his immediate resignation following the embarrassing Euro 2016 last-16 defeat by Iceland, and has signed a two-year deal leading up to the World Cup in 2018.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and vice-chairman David Gill had been presented with the challenge of identifying the next England manager, and after initial suggestions linked the role with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, a two-horse race developed between Allardyce and Hull City’s Steve Bruce.

An FA statement confirmed the news on Friday afternoon. It read: “Following a comprehensive and structured process, The Football Association is today delighted to confirm Sam Allardyce as England manager.

“The highly respected 61-year-old has signed an initial two-year contract and takes up the position with immediate effect following a successful spell retaining Sunderland’s status in the Premier League. Allardyce’s first match in charge will be a friendly fixture at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 1 September.

Speaking as part of the FA’s statement, Allardyce said: "I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as 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 know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver

&#13; <p>Sam Allardyce, England manager</p>&#13;

"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.

"While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

"I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver."

Sunderland issued a short statement at the same time as the FA, in which they failed to thank Allardyce for his efforts at the club or for keeping them in the Premier League last season after replacing Dick Advocaat.

“Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect,” the statement read.

“The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC now is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club’s new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.”

The statement lasted exactly 49 words.

Outgoing FA chairman Greg Dyke confirmed on Thursday morning that the three-man panel had recommended Allardyce to the FA as the suitable candidate to replace Hodgson, with the national governing body confirming the decision a few hours later.

Hodgson was criticised for failing to settle on a formation and his best team, with the former Liverpool and Fulham manager trying out different tactics during the group stage of the tournament in France and moving Wayne Rooney into midfield for the first time in his international career.

The brief for the 61-year-old is a simple one, with England kicking off their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign on 4 September against Slovakia before returning to Wembley in October to take on Malta. With England’s qualifying group also including Slovenia, Scotland and Lithuania, Allardyce will be expected to make light work of reaching Russia 2018, although the two matches against rivals Scotland will certainly stand out in his schedule.

Allardyce successfully retained Sunderland's Premier League staus last season (Getty)

Allardyce takes the England job after missing out on the role when Steve McLaren was appointed as Sven-Göran Eriksson’s successor in 2006, though McLaren’s time in charge would prove as short as it was successful in failing to reach Euro 2008.

With Allardyce leaving Sunderland on the cusp of the new Premier League season, former Manchester United manager David Moyes is the front runner to take over at the Stadium of Light.