IBRAHIMOVIC & KOMPANY HAVE EYES ON DERBY SEE PAGES 50-51 PRIDE OF FREE INSIDE LIONS Allardyce wants to kick off with a victory to get the nation smiling again

SAM ALLARDYCE is on a mission to restore England’s pride after their Euro 2016 failure and humiliation against Iceland.

The new England boss takes charge for the first time here today against Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier.

And Big Sam’s message to the nation is that he aims to make the country proud of their football team.

He said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that this job has always been the dream for me.

“I am immensely proud to finally be able to call myself England manager.

“Now my focus is on ensuring we successfully navigate our way through this qualifying campaign – starting with a win in Slovakia.”

Allardyce, who quit Sunderland in the summer to take the England position after Roy Hodgson’s resignation, added: “My focus is also to make the nation proud of their football team.

“I think the nation was proud of the team up to the Iceland game at the Euros.

“So we’ve got to get back to the country having that feeling again.”

But the new England boss admits there will be first-day nerves in Trnava. He added: “I will be PAUL HETHERINGTON in Trnava nervous – I think that’s always the case with your first match but you hope your team goes out and does your talking for you.” Allardyce also explained his decision to announce his team 48 hours before the match. He said: “It’s going to get out anyway but it also means the lads can go to bed the night before the game knowing exactly what the situation is.” On his decision to keep faith with Joe Hart in goal, Big Sam said: “I have selected him because he can focus on his immediate career again after joining Torino.” Wayne Rooney wins his 116th cap tonight to set a record for an outfield England player. And the captain said: “I’m always proud when it comes to playing for England. “It is important that we get off to a good start, it’s about three points.” And on the chances of having real success with England, Rooney said with a smile: “Hopefully some of Sam’s magic can help us do that.” THE LION CLUB: See Result! P2-3 Full Story: RESULT! P5