Sam Allardyce has been appointed as the new England manager on a two-year contract, the Football Association have confirmed.

The 61-year-old will leave his role as Sunderland boss in order to replace Roy Hodgson as the national team manager.

Allardyce, who begins work immediately, 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."

Roy Hodgson's successor continued: "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."

Allardyce in his playing days at Millwall. Credit: PA

Allardyce, who missed out on the job to Steve McClaren in 2006, was the unanimous choice of a three-man selection panel comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill.

In their search for Hodgson's successor Glenn, Gill and Ashworth also interviewed Steve Bruce, reported to have left his job with Hull earlier on Friday, and considered Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klinsmann.

Close ally Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Allardyce to Gill after being consulted.

Big Sam during his time as Notts County manager. Credit: PA

Glenn said: "Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job.

"His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice.

"That was underlined when we sat down to talk and we could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on England's future and how it complemented the extensive work that we are looking to build on at St George's Park.

"Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate."

The 61-year-old will leave his role as Sunderland boss. Credit: PA

The statement continued: "Alongside his primary target of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Allardyce has a mandate to shape a strong, purposeful team identity and maximise the performance potential of a young, talented England squad at a major tournament.

"Allardyce 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."

Allardyce will, reportedly, earn £2.5million per year from the FA, with bonuses including in his contract dependent on performances.

His style is one of precision and the knowledge of how to win by any means necessary.

Born in Dudley, the former defender enjoyed a lengthy career playing the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland.

After retiring Allardyce moved into management, taking charge of Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County before joining Bolton Wanderers in 1999.

Sam Allardyce enjoyed a lengthy playing career as a centre-back. Credit: PA

Allardyce led the Lancashire side to the Premier League, successfully maintaining their position in the top-flight before deciding to depart in 2007.

Since leaving The Trotters, Allardyce has taken a number of positions, including Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United.

Allardyce will select his first squad towards the end of August, with a Wembley friendly against unnamed opponents on September 1 and the opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia three days later.