Sam Allardyce: I should still be England manager

It's only a matter of days until England embark upon their latest quest for World Cup glory.

Since Sir Alf Ramsey lifted the famous golden trophy 52 years ago, seven other managers have tried and failed to bring football back home.

Now it's over to Gareth Southgate.

But, were it not for a shock newspaper sting two years ago, the man in the England dugout this summer would most likely have been Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam infamously took charge of one England match - a last-gasp 1-0 victory away to Slovakia - before he was sent packing in September 2016 following a very unmutual 'mutual consent'.

His tenure lasted a meagre 67 days, the shortest of any permanent England boss.

On the plus side he’s the only Three Lions boss to ever leave his post with a 100% record.

But for now Big Sam will have to watch England from the sofa.

In a BBC documentary - Managing England: The Impossible Job - which is set to air on Sunday at 9pm, Allardyce spoke about how he felt about his England departure:

"Jealousy is what I feel. Massively disappointed. That should be me there. Unfortunately because of the circumstances that wasn't the case.

"One night I was playing golf - next day they said you can't carry on. And I still don't know why… because in the cold light of day, there was no substance, nothing behind it.

"If a bit more time was taken, a bit more patience, I believe I should still be the England manager.

"I've bounced back now - and while I will be extremely jealous I will be watching Gareth and the lads and hope they do extremely well."

We're sure the 63-year-old won't have to wait around too long until a Premier League vacancy opens up next season.