Paris Saint-Germain comfortably downed Inter Milan 3-1 in the 2016 International Champions Cup at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday afternoon.   

Right-back Serge Aurier opened the scoring for the Ligue 1 champions early on in the contest from close range before Stevan Jovetic pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

The French outfit then created a cushion in the second period after a direct free-kick 25 yards out from left-back Layvin Kurzawa before Aurier wrapped up the win with his second goal of the game in the dying moments.

PSG head coach Unai Emery chose to select a weakened starting lineup for his side’s opening match in the ICC. The former Sevilla boss named just four recognised first-team players, including captain Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, Aurier and summer signing Hatem Ben Arfa.

In comparison, Inter manager Roberto Mancini named a strong starting XI for the friendly, with Rodrigo Palacio and Jovetic leading the line for the Nerazzurri.

The International Champions Cup provided footage of kick-off from inside the largely empty stadium in the Pacific Northwest on its official Twitter account:

It didn’t take long for the first goalmouth action, and with 14 minutes on the clock, the Parisians made the breakthrough. Surprisingly, the goal came via the unlikely outlet of Aurier following a foul to Jonathan Ikone 20 yards from goal.

Maxwell’s whipped-low free-kick forced Samir Handanovic to get down quickly to his right, but the Slovenian goalkeeper could only parry the well-struck effort out to Ivory Coast international Aurier, who made no mistake from inside the six-yard box.

With five minutes to go until half-time, Inter almost grabbed an equaliser. Smart link-up play from Palacio and Jovetic eventually saw the former Manchester City forward strike a low shot into the corner of the net. But Brazilian defender Silva was on hand to hack the ball off the goal line.

However, in first-half stoppage time, Inter did get their goal after the official awarded them a penalty after a handball by Lucas Moura, who was looking to block a goalbound shot from Geoffrey Kondogbia. After some moments of confusion, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Jovetic stepped up to take the effort from 18 yards.

The Montenegrin attacker thundered an unstoppable penalty into the top corner of the net, leaving young goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with no chance of keeping his sheet clean.

PSG took the lead once again on the hour mark via another free-kick. Kurzawa struck a direct effort over the wall and into the corner of the net; however, Handanovic was once again at fault.

Enjoy Inter News provided footage of the decisive strike:

The 32-year-old appeared sluggish across the ground and was too easily wrong-footed when Kurzawa lifted his effort to the side of the goal. 

Second-half substitute Edinson Cavani had a golden opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet after some horrible defending from the Inter backline. But after dancing through the heart of the Italians’ defence, the Uruguay international shot wide of goal when he should have hit the target.

Cavani will be desperate to impress new boss Emery following the Parc des Princes exit of key man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the 29-year-old’s habit of missing soft chances is a glaring problem in his overall gameplay.

PSG continued to control the tie and deservedly snatched a third goal in the dying moments. Aurier was once again the man who found the back of the net, as the marauding full-back found the corner with a fine header.

The French outfit dominated possession until the final whistle, professionally seeing out the game—as should be expected now they are under the tutelage of three-time UEFA Europa League-winning coach Emery.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a4hMRU
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Paris Saint-Germain comfortably downed Inter Milan 3-1 in the 2016 International Champions Cup at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday afternoon.   

Right-back Serge Aurier opened the scoring for the Ligue 1 champions early on in the contest from close range before Stevan Jovetic pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

The French outfit then created a cushion in the second period after a direct free-kick 25 yards out from left-back Layvin Kurzawa before Aurier wrapped up the win with his second goal of the game in the dying moments.

PSG head coach Unai Emery chose to select a weakened starting lineup for his side’s opening match in the ICC. The former Sevilla boss named just four recognised first-team players, including captain Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, Aurier and summer signing Hatem Ben Arfa.

In comparison, Inter manager Roberto Mancini named a strong starting XI for the friendly, with Rodrigo Palacio and Jovetic leading the line for the Nerazzurri.

The International Champions Cup provided footage of kick-off from inside the largely empty stadium in the Pacific Northwest on its official Twitter account:

It didn’t take long for the first goalmouth action, and with 14 minutes on the clock, the Parisians made the breakthrough. Surprisingly, the goal came via the unlikely outlet of Aurier following a foul to Jonathan Ikone 20 yards from goal.

Maxwell’s whipped-low free-kick forced Samir Handanovic to get down quickly to his right, but the Slovenian goalkeeper could only parry the well-struck effort out to Ivory Coast international Aurier, who made no mistake from inside the six-yard box.

With five minutes to go until half-time, Inter almost grabbed an equaliser. Smart link-up play from Palacio and Jovetic eventually saw the former Manchester City forward strike a low shot into the corner of the net. But Brazilian defender Silva was on hand to hack the ball off the goal line.

However, in first-half stoppage time, Inter did get their goal after the official awarded them a penalty after a handball by Lucas Moura, who was looking to block a goalbound shot from Geoffrey Kondogbia. After some moments of confusion, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Jovetic stepped up to take the effort from 18 yards.

The Montenegrin attacker thundered an unstoppable penalty into the top corner of the net, leaving young goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with no chance of keeping his sheet clean.

PSG took the lead once again on the hour mark via another free-kick. Kurzawa struck a direct effort over the wall and into the corner of the net; however, Handanovic was once again at fault.

Enjoy Inter News provided footage of the decisive strike:

The 32-year-old appeared sluggish across the ground and was too easily wrong-footed when Kurzawa lifted his effort to the side of the goal. 

Second-half substitute Edinson Cavani had a golden opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet after some horrible defending from the Inter backline. But after dancing through the heart of the Italians’ defence, the Uruguay international shot wide of goal when he should have hit the target.

Cavani will be desperate to impress new boss Emery following the Parc des Princes exit of key man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the 29-year-old’s habit of missing soft chances is a glaring problem in his overall gameplay.

PSG continued to control the tie and deservedly snatched a third goal in the dying moments. Aurier was once again the man who found the back of the net, as the marauding full-back found the corner with a fine header.

The French outfit dominated possession until the final whistle, professionally seeing out the game—as should be expected now they are under the tutelage of three-time UEFA Europa League-winning coach Emery.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a4hMRU
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and will instead target Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.

That’s according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), who noted the Blues’ efforts to sign Koulibaly have “stalled” due to Napoli’s £45 million valuation. De Vrij is said to be available for around £15 million, and Chelsea are reportedly ready to “press ahead quickly” to get the 24-year-old on board.

The centre of defence is an area of the team new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will need to address, especially after the frailties that were so frequently on display last term. Here is a look at why De Vrij might be the man to stiffen up this section of the side:

De Vrij’s 2015-16 season was curtailed after just two Serie A games, as he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Per Moxley, he’s close to full fitness once again following a period of recuperation.

As ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted here, the centre-back was badly missed and is absolutely vital to the Serie A side:

The Dutchman will be hopeful of making a strong return, though. At his best, the former Feyenoord man is an exceptional defender, and he excelled in his debut term for Lazio, helping the club secure a UEFA Champions League berth. His tactical awareness and sharp focus would certainly appeal to Conte.

While £15 million could potentially represent a bargain for the Blues, signing a player who has been out of action for almost a year would be a big gamble. De Vrij is still young and still has time to fully recover from his injury; it’s at this stage of his career where consistency will be key, though, meaning a stay at the Stadio Olimpico would be a sensible decision.

Everton Agree Axel Witsel Fee

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to miss out on Axel Witsel, with Everton having reportedly agreed a £25 million fee for the player.

Now the Toffees are said to be “waiting for the Belgium international to commit to their contract offer.” Per Jones, the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has also attracted the attentions of the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan after he told his current club that he wants to move on.

The 27-year-old moved to the Russian club from Benfica in 2012 and has maintained his reputation as one of European football’s most authoritative central midfield players. Here is a look at what he’s capable of producing at his very best:

At the start of the summer, a player like Witsel would have been at the top of Conte’s list. Last term, the Blues were regularly bullied in the centre of the pitch, with Nemanja Matic—a tower of strength in the 2014-15 term—out of form along with the majority of the Chelsea side. Witsel would have aided in these physical battles.

Indeed, the Belgian is a player who looks tailor-made for English football. Witsel relishes a tackle, is strong in the air and is very smart in possession, too. 

However, following their acquisition of former Leicester City star N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have addressed the lack of dynamism in the middle of the park to great effect. Witsel may have been an ideal partner for the France international, although Conte will be hoping Kante’s energy can bring the best out of Matic once again.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a1RJGY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and will instead target Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.

That’s according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), who noted the Blues’ efforts to sign Koulibaly have “stalled” due to Napoli’s £45 million valuation. De Vrij is said to be available for around £15 million, and Chelsea are reportedly ready to “press ahead quickly” to get the 24-year-old on board.

The centre of defence is an area of the team new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will need to address, especially after the frailties that were so frequently on display last term. Here is a look at why De Vrij might be the man to stiffen up this section of the side:

De Vrij’s 2015-16 season was curtailed after just two Serie A games, as he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Per Moxley, he’s close to full fitness once again following a period of recuperation.

As ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted here, the centre-back was badly missed and is absolutely vital to the Serie A side:

The Dutchman will be hopeful of making a strong return, though. At his best, the former Feyenoord man is an exceptional defender, and he excelled in his debut term for Lazio, helping the club secure a UEFA Champions League berth. His tactical awareness and sharp focus would certainly appeal to Conte.

While £15 million could potentially represent a bargain for the Blues, signing a player who has been out of action for almost a year would be a big gamble. De Vrij is still young and still has time to fully recover from his injury; it’s at this stage of his career where consistency will be key, though, meaning a stay at the Stadio Olimpico would be a sensible decision.

Everton Agree Axel Witsel Fee

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to miss out on Axel Witsel, with Everton having reportedly agreed a £25 million fee for the player.

Now the Toffees are said to be “waiting for the Belgium international to commit to their contract offer.” Per Jones, the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has also attracted the attentions of the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan after he told his current club that he wants to move on.

The 27-year-old moved to the Russian club from Benfica in 2012 and has maintained his reputation as one of European football’s most authoritative central midfield players. Here is a look at what he’s capable of producing at his very best:

At the start of the summer, a player like Witsel would have been at the top of Conte’s list. Last term, the Blues were regularly bullied in the centre of the pitch, with Nemanja Matic—a tower of strength in the 2014-15 term—out of form along with the majority of the Chelsea side. Witsel would have aided in these physical battles.

Indeed, the Belgian is a player who looks tailor-made for English football. Witsel relishes a tackle, is strong in the air and is very smart in possession, too. 

However, following their acquisition of former Leicester City star N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have addressed the lack of dynamism in the middle of the park to great effect. Witsel may have been an ideal partner for the France international, although Conte will be hoping Kante’s energy can bring the best out of Matic once again.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a1RJGY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and will instead target Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.

That’s according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), who noted the Blues’ efforts to sign Koulibaly have “stalled” due to Napoli’s £45 million valuation. De Vrij is said to be available for around £15 million, and Chelsea are reportedly ready to “press ahead quickly” to get the 24-year-old on board.

The centre of defence is an area of the team new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will need to address, especially after the frailties that were so frequently on display last term. Here is a look at why De Vrij might be the man to stiffen up this section of the side:

De Vrij’s 2015-16 season was curtailed after just two Serie A games, as he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Per Moxley, he’s close to full fitness once again following a period of recuperation.

As ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted here, the centre-back was badly missed and is absolutely vital to the Serie A side:

The Dutchman will be hopeful of making a strong return, though. At his best, the former Feyenoord man is an exceptional defender, and he excelled in his debut term for Lazio, helping the club secure a UEFA Champions League berth. His tactical awareness and sharp focus would certainly appeal to Conte.

While £15 million could potentially represent a bargain for the Blues, signing a player who has been out of action for almost a year would be a big gamble. De Vrij is still young and still has time to fully recover from his injury; it’s at this stage of his career where consistency will be key, though, meaning a stay at the Stadio Olimpico would be a sensible decision.

Everton Agree Axel Witsel Fee

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to miss out on Axel Witsel, with Everton having reportedly agreed a £25 million fee for the player.

Now the Toffees are said to be “waiting for the Belgium international to commit to their contract offer.” Per Jones, the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has also attracted the attentions of the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan after he told his current club that he wants to move on.

The 27-year-old moved to the Russian club from Benfica in 2012 and has maintained his reputation as one of European football’s most authoritative central midfield players. Here is a look at what he’s capable of producing at his very best:

At the start of the summer, a player like Witsel would have been at the top of Conte’s list. Last term, the Blues were regularly bullied in the centre of the pitch, with Nemanja Matic—a tower of strength in the 2014-15 term—out of form along with the majority of the Chelsea side. Witsel would have aided in these physical battles.

Indeed, the Belgian is a player who looks tailor-made for English football. Witsel relishes a tackle, is strong in the air and is very smart in possession, too. 

However, following their acquisition of former Leicester City star N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have addressed the lack of dynamism in the middle of the park to great effect. Witsel may have been an ideal partner for the France international, although Conte will be hoping Kante’s energy can bring the best out of Matic once again.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a1RJGY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and will instead target Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.

That’s according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), who noted the Blues’ efforts to sign Koulibaly have “stalled” due to Napoli’s £45 million valuation. De Vrij is said to be available for around £15 million, and Chelsea are reportedly ready to “press ahead quickly” to get the 24-year-old on board.

The centre of defence is an area of the team new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will need to address, especially after the frailties that were so frequently on display last term. Here is a look at why De Vrij might be the man to stiffen up this section of the side:

De Vrij’s 2015-16 season was curtailed after just two Serie A games, as he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Per Moxley, he’s close to full fitness once again following a period of recuperation.

As ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted here, the centre-back was badly missed and is absolutely vital to the Serie A side:

The Dutchman will be hopeful of making a strong return, though. At his best, the former Feyenoord man is an exceptional defender, and he excelled in his debut term for Lazio, helping the club secure a UEFA Champions League berth. His tactical awareness and sharp focus would certainly appeal to Conte.

While £15 million could potentially represent a bargain for the Blues, signing a player who has been out of action for almost a year would be a big gamble. De Vrij is still young and still has time to fully recover from his injury; it’s at this stage of his career where consistency will be key, though, meaning a stay at the Stadio Olimpico would be a sensible decision.

Everton Agree Axel Witsel Fee

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to miss out on Axel Witsel, with Everton having reportedly agreed a £25 million fee for the player.

Now the Toffees are said to be “waiting for the Belgium international to commit to their contract offer.” Per Jones, the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has also attracted the attentions of the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan after he told his current club that he wants to move on.

The 27-year-old moved to the Russian club from Benfica in 2012 and has maintained his reputation as one of European football’s most authoritative central midfield players. Here is a look at what he’s capable of producing at his very best:

At the start of the summer, a player like Witsel would have been at the top of Conte’s list. Last term, the Blues were regularly bullied in the centre of the pitch, with Nemanja Matic—a tower of strength in the 2014-15 term—out of form along with the majority of the Chelsea side. Witsel would have aided in these physical battles.

Indeed, the Belgian is a player who looks tailor-made for English football. Witsel relishes a tackle, is strong in the air and is very smart in possession, too. 

However, following their acquisition of former Leicester City star N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have addressed the lack of dynamism in the middle of the park to great effect. Witsel may have been an ideal partner for the France international, although Conte will be hoping Kante’s energy can bring the best out of Matic once again.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a1RJGY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chelsea are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and will instead target Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij.

That’s according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), who noted the Blues’ efforts to sign Koulibaly have “stalled” due to Napoli’s £45 million valuation. De Vrij is said to be available for around £15 million, and Chelsea are reportedly ready to “press ahead quickly” to get the 24-year-old on board.

The centre of defence is an area of the team new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will need to address, especially after the frailties that were so frequently on display last term. Here is a look at why De Vrij might be the man to stiffen up this section of the side:

De Vrij’s 2015-16 season was curtailed after just two Serie A games, as he suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Per Moxley, he’s close to full fitness once again following a period of recuperation.

As ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted here, the centre-back was badly missed and is absolutely vital to the Serie A side:

The Dutchman will be hopeful of making a strong return, though. At his best, the former Feyenoord man is an exceptional defender, and he excelled in his debut term for Lazio, helping the club secure a UEFA Champions League berth. His tactical awareness and sharp focus would certainly appeal to Conte.

While £15 million could potentially represent a bargain for the Blues, signing a player who has been out of action for almost a year would be a big gamble. De Vrij is still young and still has time to fully recover from his injury; it’s at this stage of his career where consistency will be key, though, meaning a stay at the Stadio Olimpico would be a sensible decision.

Everton Agree Axel Witsel Fee

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to miss out on Axel Witsel, with Everton having reportedly agreed a £25 million fee for the player.

Now the Toffees are said to be “waiting for the Belgium international to commit to their contract offer.” Per Jones, the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder has also attracted the attentions of the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan after he told his current club that he wants to move on.

The 27-year-old moved to the Russian club from Benfica in 2012 and has maintained his reputation as one of European football’s most authoritative central midfield players. Here is a look at what he’s capable of producing at his very best:

At the start of the summer, a player like Witsel would have been at the top of Conte’s list. Last term, the Blues were regularly bullied in the centre of the pitch, with Nemanja Matic—a tower of strength in the 2014-15 term—out of form along with the majority of the Chelsea side. Witsel would have aided in these physical battles.

Indeed, the Belgian is a player who looks tailor-made for English football. Witsel relishes a tackle, is strong in the air and is very smart in possession, too. 

However, following their acquisition of former Leicester City star N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have addressed the lack of dynamism in the middle of the park to great effect. Witsel may have been an ideal partner for the France international, although Conte will be hoping Kante’s energy can bring the best out of Matic once again.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2a1RJGY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Sam Allardyce was confirmed as the new England manager on Friday, penning a deal as Roy Hodgson’s successor following the Three Lions’ humiliation at Euro 2016.

The FA announced the news:

Allardyce said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.

“I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

“I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”

The England manager’s job has been vacant since Hodgson resigned the position in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to minnows Iceland, which saw them crash out of Euro 2016 in France at the last-16 stage.

Allardyce, 61 has his role as Sunderland manager in order to take up the top job with the national team.

Per BBC Sport, Arsenal‘s Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth‘s Eddie Howe, Hull City‘s Steve Bruce, United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann and former England manager Glenn Hoddle were all also linked with the job, but the Football Association has opted for Allardyce.

Over more than two decades Allardyce has managed a number of different clubs, most prominently Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland.

He kept intact his record of never being relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16 as he led the Black Cats to safety after taking over in October last year.

While not the most glamorous appointment for England, Allardyce is undoubtedly qualified to lead the national team as they look to regain some respectability following a largely disappointing four years under Hodgson.

The former Inter Milan, Udinese, Fulham and Liverpool boss managed to keep his job despite leading the Three Lions to a group-stage exit at World Cup 2014 in Brazil only to befall an arguably more embarrassing fate at Euro 2016.

As noted by Eurosport’s Graham Ruthven, “English football can’t afford to be snobbish any longer” and Allardyce’s oft-criticised simplistic style could be just what the Three Lions need to get the best out of the players available.

Allardyce’s first game in charge of England will a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 1. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29Z5tWS
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Sam Allardyce was confirmed as the new England manager on Friday, penning a deal as Roy Hodgson’s successor following the Three Lions’ humiliation at Euro 2016.

The FA announced the news:

Allardyce said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.

“I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

“I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”

The England manager’s job has been vacant since Hodgson resigned the position in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to minnows Iceland, which saw them crash out of Euro 2016 in France at the last-16 stage.

Allardyce, 61 has his role as Sunderland manager in order to take up the top job with the national team.

Per BBC Sport, Arsenal‘s Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth‘s Eddie Howe, Hull City‘s Steve Bruce, United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann and former England manager Glenn Hoddle were all also linked with the job, but the Football Association has opted for Allardyce.

Over more than two decades Allardyce has managed a number of different clubs, most prominently Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland.

He kept intact his record of never being relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16 as he led the Black Cats to safety after taking over in October last year.

While not the most glamorous appointment for England, Allardyce is undoubtedly qualified to lead the national team as they look to regain some respectability following a largely disappointing four years under Hodgson.

The former Inter Milan, Udinese, Fulham and Liverpool boss managed to keep his job despite leading the Three Lions to a group-stage exit at World Cup 2014 in Brazil only to befall an arguably more embarrassing fate at Euro 2016.

As noted by Eurosport’s Graham Ruthven, “English football can’t afford to be snobbish any longer” and Allardyce’s oft-criticised simplistic style could be just what the Three Lions need to get the best out of the players available.

Allardyce’s first game in charge of England will a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 1. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29Z5tWS
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Sam Allardyce was confirmed as the new England manager on Friday, penning a deal as Roy Hodgson’s successor following the Three Lions’ humiliation at Euro 2016.

The FA announced the news:

Allardyce said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.

“I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

“I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”

The England manager’s job has been vacant since Hodgson resigned the position in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to minnows Iceland, which saw them crash out of Euro 2016 in France at the last-16 stage.

Allardyce, 61 has his role as Sunderland manager in order to take up the top job with the national team.

Per BBC Sport, Arsenal‘s Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth‘s Eddie Howe, Hull City‘s Steve Bruce, United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann and former England manager Glenn Hoddle were all also linked with the job, but the Football Association has opted for Allardyce.

Over more than two decades Allardyce has managed a number of different clubs, most prominently Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland.

He kept intact his record of never being relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16 as he led the Black Cats to safety after taking over in October last year.

While not the most glamorous appointment for England, Allardyce is undoubtedly qualified to lead the national team as they look to regain some respectability following a largely disappointing four years under Hodgson.

The former Inter Milan, Udinese, Fulham and Liverpool boss managed to keep his job despite leading the Three Lions to a group-stage exit at World Cup 2014 in Brazil only to befall an arguably more embarrassing fate at Euro 2016.

As noted by Eurosport’s Graham Ruthven, “English football can’t afford to be snobbish any longer” and Allardyce’s oft-criticised simplistic style could be just what the Three Lions need to get the best out of the players available.

Allardyce’s first game in charge of England will a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 1. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29Z5tWS
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J