“When it comes to winning no trophies or cups, unfortunately as an English manager I never really got the chance to go right to the top of the Premier League”.
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Allardyce has been appointed as Roy Hodgson’s replacement as head coach of the Three Lions on a two-year deal as the FA look to move on from the disastrous last-16 exit to Iceland at Euro 2016.
“I choose styles or systems depending on the players available and who we’re playing”.
“I think first and foremost it’s about regaining, perhaps, a bit of confidence they have lost after the Euros”.
But it is another Palace man who has been tipped for a starting berth in the first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, with former England defender Stuart Pearce naming Andros Townsend in his predicted line-up for that game on September 4.
Allardyce said it was too soon to confirm whether Rooney, England’s record scorer, would remain as captain.
With Rooney likely to face competition for a starting spot at Old Trafford from forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial, Allardyce said a player’s club form will be important in him being selected.
“Football is to be enjoyed and I’ve enjoyed my life in football for many years, it’s the pinnacle of my career and I want to enjoy it the most”.
“Style of play has always been a tag for me I can’t shake”, said Allardyce, overlooked by England 10 years ago in favour of Steve McClaren. “Play up front on his own all season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League”.
“Man-management, I think”, he said when asked what he would bring to the job. “You have to manage that, not just manage players but manage staff, to delegate to them and give confidence to produce the qualities they have which are actually better qualities than me”. But I can turn things around and try to create a successful journey.
“The challenge of the Premier League is not as big a challenge to me as when I first got there because I’ve done it for so long”.
Allardyce extolled his expertise in turning around clubs quickly but said he did not think England were at “rock bottom”.
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“I consider myself to be much more than that but that’s the sort of label I was left with”.
