Sam Allardyce set to be interviewed for England job: Wenger and Klinsmann also in frame

SAM ALLARDYCE will be interviewed for the England job this week with the FA ready to appoint a new manager by the end of the month.

By David Woods

IN THE RUNNING: Sam Allardyce will be interviewed by the FA

But Allardyce - who has a get-out clause in his Sunderland contract - will need to convince sceptics on the FA board that he is the right man for the job.

Starsport revealed on Saturday the FA have already been in talks with USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

And it now appears to be a two-horse race between the ex-German manager and Allardyce.

Allardyce is seen as a safer choice, amid fears Klinsmann would demand a major shake-up of English football if he was given the top job.

But there are also serious concerns at the FA over the style of football Allardyce has earned a reputation for playing while managing in the Premier League at Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham.

It is understood the 61-year-old is confident he can convince his doubters he is right man to replace Roy Hodgson having been snubbed for the job in 2006 when the FA opted for Steve McClaren.

If he can present his case convincingly it would put him in pole position as he appears more willing to work within the current FA coaching structure than Klinsmann.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger yesterday also revealed he would be interested in taking the job, although not yet.

Wenger has a year left on his current deal although the FA initially indicated when Hodgson quit following defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, they would be willing to wait until next summer for the right manager.

“Could I manage England, why not?” said Wenger, who has always honoured his contracts throughout his career.

“I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football.

“England is my second country. I was absolutely on my knees when England went out against Iceland.

“I couldn’t believe it. But when you watched the game you could sense, after 60 minutes, that the worst could happen.

“Did they panic or were they tired? I don’t know, but England couldn’t find an answer to what Iceland posed.”