Hoddle only rival to Allardyce for England job, says Ron Atkinson

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Atkinson believes the FA should turn to Hoddle if a move for Allardyce does not materialise.

Allardyce is the current favourite for the England job

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson has told the Daily Star that Glenn Hoddle is the only candidate that should be considered for the England job outside of current favourite Sam Allardyce.

Sunderland boss Allardyce has been heavily touted as the man to succeed previous Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, who stepped down following his side’s shock Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat to Iceland earlier in the summer.

Allardyce attracted plenty of plaudits after he successfully guided to Sunderland to Premier League safety last season

According to the Daily Mirror, Allardyce met with England chiefs on Tuesday and will find out this week if he has done enough to be offered the job.

AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Hull City’s Steve Bruce have also been mentioned as possibilities, but 77-year-old Atkinson believes the approach for Allardyce makes sense.

Hodgson stepped down after a disappointing showing at Euro 2016

He told the Daily Star: “Sam is the obvious favourite – with Bruce and Hoddle also in the frame. That’s fine with me.

“Sam may not have experience at a really top club but which English coach does. Bruce has done a very good job with most of his clubs but, again, has never had a really big one.

“You could go for Eddie Howe but I feel it’s too soon for the Bournemouth boss. He needs another 12 months or so there before stepping up to the next level.

Atkinson has backed Hoddle as a good choice for the job

If the FA choose not to offer Allardyce the position, Atkinson believes there is only one other suitable candidate.

He added: “I still like Hoddle. He did a great job with England first time and I don’t believe his time away matters. He could still do the job, maybe on an interim basis with Harry Redknapp.’’

A move for Hoddle would make him the first ever manager to have two stints in charge of the national team, having guided England to the second round of the 1998 World Cup during his previous tenure.