Sam Allardyce to be named England manager in next 24 hours after final Sunderland game

Big Sam will be on the sideline as the Black Cats face off against Hartlepool but a decision on Roy Hodgson's England successor is expected soon

Sam Allardyce will be in charge of Sunderland for the final time tonight with the FA set to name him as the new England manager.

Big Sam will be on the touchline as the Black Cats face off against League Two neighbours Hartlepool in the first-team's opening pre-season friendly.

Former West Ham and Bolton boss Allardyce was in the stands as Sunderland's Under-21 side were beaten by National League North side Darlington on Tuesday night.
But FA chiefs are set to confirm Allardyce as the new national team manager in the next 24 hours after completing a string of interviews. 

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Hull manager Steve Bruce have also been in contention for the country's top job.

Sunderland have already called on the FA to appoint Hodgson's successor as soon as possible.

And it is now believed that the 61-year-old has won the race to replace Roy Hodgson and lead England into the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

Allardyce could take charge of England for a friendly on September 1 against opponents who are yet to be confirmed.

He would then face his first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia three days later.

Allardyce is the bookmaker's favourite to become England boss (Photo: Getty)

Steve Bruce has also been interviewed for the country's top job (Photo: Getty Images)

Roy Hodgson quit as England manager following their Euro 2016 nightmare (Photo: PA)

FA chief executive Martin Glenn declared earlier this week that they were not looking for a "short-term mercenary" for the role of England manager.
Glenn, vice-chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth have been tasked with finding Hodgson's replacement.

"Everyone we've spoke to about the job is massively enthusiastic about the prospects for England," Glenn told Sky Sports News.

"We're not after a short-term mercenary, someone just to do the job for a couple of years. I want someone to come in to the England role to really work with not just the senior team but to make sure all the great work with the Under-16s, 17s, 18s - look at how well the Under-19s are doing now - and to knit all that together.

"We want someone to do a great job for the England national team but as well make sure all the development teams are laddering up to something more effective."