I’m still in the running for England job, says Allardyce

SAM ALLARDYCE has admitted he has yet to be discounted from the FA’s shortlist for the England manager’s job. Bolton boss Allardyce also feels the credentials of Luiz Felipe Scolari stand up to close scrutiny, even if his heart tells him he would ideally prefer an Englishman to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Scolari has quickly emerged as the leading candidate, even if he and his current employers at the Portuguese Football Federation have tried to distance themselves from the speculation.

It was perceived that the Brazilian and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren were in a two-horse race, with Allardyce, Charlton’s Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill becoming also-rans. But Allardyce yesterday insisted: “I’m still in the frame because no decision has been made yet. I haven’t heard anything otherwise. I’ve had my interview opportunity, and I hope that was good enough, but we will have to wait and see.”