The Three Lions are set to appoint Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce after the Arsenal boss turned them down.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Gerard Houllier in the stands
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to take charge of England to leave Sam Allardyce clear in the running.
The Three Lions are close to securing Allardyce as their new manager, with a three-man panel from the FA set to name him as their preferred candidate.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce
The Sunderland manager has emerged as the favourite for the job over the last week after holding talks about the position.
However, according to the Telegraph, it was Arsene Wenger turning the FA down that has seen him land the role as Three Lions head coach.
They report that the Frenchman was the first man approached by the FA, but he was not prepared to break the final year of his contract with Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
His reluctance to commit to them while still under contract at the Emirates forced Dan Ashworth, David Gill and Martin Glenn to move for Allardyce instead.
The FA are said to be impressed with his track record in club management, his vision for the future of the national side and willingness to work with all of the age groups.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce
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