DUDLEY-born Sam Allardyce has been named England manager.

The 61-year-old became England’s 15th manager after being named as Roy Hodgson’s successor this afternoon.

The former Bolton and West Ham boss is tasked with trying to repair the national side’s shattered confidence after a disappointing Euro 2016.

A statement on the FA's website said Allardyce's primary target is qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but he "is also charged with helping technical director Dan 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's first competitive match will be in Slovakia on 4 September as England begin their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

He leaves Sunderland after nine months, and the Black Cats are now looking for their ninth manager in eight years.

A statement from the club read: "The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club's new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity."

Allardyce, a former Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham boss, becomes the 14th permanent England manager.

He has never won a major trophy but did win promotion to the Premier League with Bolton and West Ham.