Sam Allardyce has left Sunderland to become the new England manager, the Football Association (FA) has announced.
Allardyce, 61, leaves Sunderland to take charge of England as they seek to rebuild after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign that ended with a round-of-16 defeat to tournament debutants Iceland.
He will take charge for England’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin with a trip to Slovakia on Sept. 4.
The FA is reported to have made the decision to appoint Allardyce after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has a year remaining on his contract, turned down the role.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce was also interviewed for the position, with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann said to have been the other leading candidates.
However, the FA’s three-man selection panel unanimously chose Allardyce, who leaves Sunderland with immediate effect to take up the role.
“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted,” Allardyce told the FA’s official website. “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.”
FA chief executive Martin Glenn added: “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.”
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