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Sam Allardyce Appointed England's New Manager

Sam Allardyce has signed an initial two-year deal to become England's new manager, the Football Association (FA) has announced.

The former Sunderland manager said he was "extremely honoured" to be the new head coach of the Three Lions.

Allardyce replaces Roy Hodgson, who resigned in the wake of England's embarrassing Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland.

He said: "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 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."

The 61-year-old knew the job was his on Wednesday but a compensation package with Sunderland needed to be finalised before it was made public.

Allardyce begins work immediately.

Allardyce, who missed out on the job to Steve McClaren in 2006, was the unanimous choice of a selection panel comprising of FA chief executive Martin Glen, acting chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth.

In their search for Hodgson's successor the trio also interviewed Steve Bruce and considered Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klinsmann.

But Allardyce emerged as their clear favourite and they presented their findings to the FA board on Thursday.

Mr Glenn 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.

"That was underlined when we sat down to talk and we could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on England's future and how it complemented the extensive work that we are looking to build on at St George's Park.

"Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate."

Allardyce, who has taken permanent charge of seven clubs in his managerial career to date including Bolton and Newcastle, will select his first squad towards the end of August.