Sam Allardyce looking to restore English pride after landing 'best job'

Allardyce was confirmed as Roy Hodgson's successor on Friday, signing an initial two-year deal after a compensation package was agreed with a frustrated Sunderland.

And the 61-year-old, who has publicly coveted the post since missing out to Steve McClaren a decade ago, could not hide his delight at landing the top job.

In a short message to fans, released via FATV, a beaming Allardyce said: "I can't stop smiling because I've got this job.

"This is a job I've waited for for many, many years and I'm absolutely delighted that I now sit in this privileged position to be English national team manager.

"I t's going to be a great thrill for me to take the team forwards from the nation's point of view and hopefully make everybody so proud again."

The words, and tone, were a stark contrast to the tetchy, raw parting address given by Hodgson in Chantilly last month after the embarrassing Euro 2016 defeat by Iceland and the Football Association will be praying the latest incumbent's spark will not be extinguished so emphatically as that of his predecessor.

For now Allardyce, who rescued the Black Cats from a seemingly hopeless position when he arrived on a fire-fighting mission last season, has outlined his positivity for both the challenge and the resources at his disposal.

"For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football," he said in an earlier statement.

"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."

FA chief executive Martin Glenn, who headed a unanimous selection panel alongside acting chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth, said: "Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job.

"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."

Allardyce will face the media at St George's Park, where he will be based, on Monday morning with his first match taking place against unnamed opponents at Wembley on September 1.

Wayne Rooney, Hodgson's captain for the past two years, welcomed the news from Manchester United's pre-season tour of China and vowed to remain available for national duty.

"I think it's a good appointment for England," he told several national newspapers.

"He will probably bring a different way of playing to England and hopefully it's a good way and we can be successful under him.

"I only know him through teams he has managed. I have seen him a few times off the pitch, but it's like everyone, I know him through the teams in the Premier League.

"Am I going to carry on? Of course. It was asked of me after the Euros, but yes, I'll be there."