Allardyce is ‘obvious choice’ for England – Ferguson

Matt Stead

Sam Allardyce is the “obvious choice” to be appointed as England’s new manager, according to Alex Ferguson.

England began their search for a new manager after Roy Hodgson resigned following a disappointing exit from Euro 2016.

The Three Lions had great expectations heading into the tournament in France, but were beaten by Iceland in the last 16.

Allardyce has emerged as one of the leading contenders to be appointed as Hodgson’s successor but, frankly, he is as underwhelming as the rest of the leading candidates.

But former Manchester United manager Ferguson believes the Sunderland boss is “the best English candidate” for the national-team job.

“The problem is there was an expectation England would do well and because they didn’t, it’s all a bit flat,” he said. “So they need to work out what the plan B is.

“It’s very difficult to think of the right man and there are only three English managers in the Premier League. With Sam (Allardyce)’s experience, he is the obvious choice.

“But I think they have to search wider to make sure they get the right one. If it’s Sam, fine. But they have to have someone with the capabilities, the tactical awareness and the feel for the national side.

“Thank goodness I’m not making the choice because it’s a difficult one but Sam’s the best English candidate because he’s in the Premier League.”

On England’s struggles, Ferguson added: “The league programme English players go through – to then play a major tournament after that makes it impossible.

“In Germany they have a rest in December and January and teams who play in a better climate must be better prepared than English players.

“They don’t even get a month’s rest because they played three friendly games and they’re training from June 12. That needs to be addressed.”