Jamie Redknapp: Sam Allardyce has good players to work with

By Jamie Redknapp, Football Expert & Columnist

Image: Sam Allardyce has been given a two-year deal by the FA

Jamie Redknapp has endorsed the FA's decision to select Sam Allardyce as England's new manager.

The 61-year-old was confirmed in his new role on Friday, and Sky Sports' football analyst Redknapp says he has the "nucleus of a really good group" to work with.

Allardyce has managed eight different English clubs, since ending his playing career in 1992, and Redknapp has given his appointment the thumbs-up.

The former England midfielder told Sky Sports News HQ: "There wasn't an abundance of choices this time but if you look at the contenders, he was the best at the moment.

"Having played against his teams and met him a few times, I like him. He's got something about him.

Advertisement

"When you're the England manager, you've got to have someone who is not afraid of these players and will enjoy the challenge.

Image: Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp has given Big Sam the thumbs-up

"And I think Sam can be that man. His ego will be as big as any of the players, and I mean that in a nice way. It's exactly what we need.

Also See:

"England have not produced the goods in the last three tournaments. We've got good players, some really good young players coming through, and this is a really good opportunity.

"John Stones, Ross Barkley, Marcus Rashford, Dele Ali, Harry Kane... We have the nucleus of a really good group.

Kevin Davies, a former player of Sam Allardyce, believes he can be a sucess with England

"We need a manager who can bring the best out of them and make them the team of the people.

"We need those who will really enjoy playing for the country again and make the fans proud as well.

"There's been a real fear factor in the last few tournaments for English players. I don't subscribe to the fact we're not good enough. I watch these players week-in, week-out.

I don't subscribe to the fact we're not good enough. I watch these players week-in, week-out.
Jamie Redknapp on England

"Harry Kane won the Golden Boot last year, then went to a major tournament and didn't produce. I hope Sam finds a way for us to play, and do it every game, and every player knows his job.

"We mess about with systems, changing them around and scared about what the press will say. But we do have the players to build a really good team and Sam can be that person.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher believes Sam Allardyce was the best candidate for the job

"Over the last 10 to 15 years, how often have we spoken about playing players out of position? We must get the right system for the players.

"In the Euros, we had Wayne Rooney in midfield but he's not a midfielder, he's a forward. Either play him as a forward or not at all.

"But most of all, we need to get rid of the fear factor and make them enjoy playing for their country again."

Outbrain