Following the England team’s disappointing performance at the Euro’s, it has now been confirmed that Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce will be taking over Roy Hodgson’s recently vacated spot as the new England manager.
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The appointment of the former Bolton and West Ham boss has been received well, with many hoping the 61-year-old can instill some steeliness into the team.
Of England’s decades-long failure to make an impact at a major tournament, Allardyce said all he could concentrate on at the moment was qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
“You can not expect an England fan to cheer you if you are not doing well”.
“I had a really great time at Sunderland. the fans were absolutely magnificent for me and I thank them for that. I saved clubs and never got relegated, and they are not the same as winning the FA Cup or Capital One Cup, but they are big achievement”. You toughen yourself for whatever job.
Lee worked alongside Allardyce at Bolton while Clement is tipped to take on a part-time role as he is now Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant manager at Bayern Munich.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand are among those thought to have been considered.
Allardyce identified man-management as his greatest strength and said that included bringing in staff who could “deliver great service in all areas and departments”.
“I’m hardened over many years”, he said. “I’ll have that approach in this job”.
“One of the things we did three or four years ago when we built St. George’s Park was enable us to have a training ground and a base here, much like a club would do”, explained Ashworth.
Croatia have tasted success against England at Wembley before.
“I think first and foremost it’s about regaining, perhaps, a bit of confidence they have lost after the Euros”.
“We’re two years way from the World Cup but we must focus on qualifying”, he continued.
“It’s a very bitter experience as we all know but that inner drive.players should keep, they should hold it and use it as a positive, say ‘we don’t want to experience that again. That’s the starting point”.
And reflecting on this summer’s disappointment he said: “I think they [could have lifted the trophy] had they all performed to their best, which they suggested they were going to beforehand”.
Allardyce revealed that Sammy Lee, who worked with him at Bolton Wanderers, is joining his coaching team and also thanked Sunderland for helping him to reach his dream job.
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I think I’ve got the experience to pass on and not only challenge the England team but challenge myself.
