Sam Allardyce: Manager wants to pick his own England backroom team not have the FA pick his own No 2
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Three Lions under-21 manager Gareth Southagte had been tipped for the position
SAM ALLARDYCE wants to pick his own England backroom team — and that includes his No 2.
The Sunderland boss, favourite for the Three Lions job, does not wish to have his assistant given to him by the FA.
Eddie Howe and Gareth Southgate have been tipped as young coaches for Roy Hodgson’s successor to mentor.
But ultimately Allardyce wants the final say on who he will be working with if he lands the job.
The 61-year-old is also ready to give Mark Noble an international lifeline.
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He believes the West Ham midfielder was the unluckiest player to miss out on Hodgson’s Euros selection this summer.
And he is ready to make the 29-year-old part of his squad if the FA give him the Three Lions hotseat.
Allardyce was interviewed for the job last week and it is understood he made a good impression.
Talks angered the Black Cats, who want a quick decision so they can focus on their Premier League campaign — but the FA are taking their time over an appointment.
There is still the chance of an interim boss taking charge of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4 if the discussions drag on.
Jurgen Klinsmann, Steve Bruce and Howe are set for talks.
But Allardyce was the first person the FA’s three-man panel spoke to, with Dan Ashworth, Martin Glenn and David Gill making the call.
Allardyce championed Noble and Aaron Cresswell for England call-ups during his spell as Hammers manager.
Big Sam felt Noble deserved a place in the Three Lions squad particularly after Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard retired from international duty.
But striker Andy Carroll’s comeback would be less straightforward — with England having plenty of options up front.
