Sam must take Lions forward

Sam Allardyce may only have been handeda twoyear England deal – but the Football Association seem keen on the former Sunderland boss having an extended stay.

The 61-year-old will take charge of the 2018 World Cup campaign which starts next month.

Allardyce replaces Roy Hodgson, who resigned after the humbling Euro 2016 exit.

The FA’s three-man selection panel, consisting of chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill, interviewed him last week and nominated him as the preferred candidate.

With personal terms no stumbling block, the only issue was a compensation package for the Black Cats, whose eagerness to receive a sizeable pay-off saw negotiations linger and delayed yesterday’s announcement until 4pm.

He is being encouraged not only to focus on reversing the fortunes of the senior side but leave his hallmark on the very fabric of the national set-up.

The FA statementsaid: “Alongside his primary target of qualification for the 2018 World Cup, Allardyce has a mandate to shape a strong, purposeful teamidentityandmaximise the performance potential of a young, talented England squad at a major tournament.

“He is also charged with helping Ashworth integrate and strengthen the FA’s elite performance and coaching programme across the England senior and development teams at St George’s Park.”