New Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that he deserved to be appointed England boss in 2006.
The former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United manager missed out on the chance to replace Sven Goran Eriksson as the Football Association opted for Steve McClaren instead.
The 60-year-old, who was named Sunderland's new boss last week, is convinced that he deserves to be considered when the FA replace Roy Hodgson.
In his autobiography, which is being serialised by The Sun, Allardyce said: "I should have got it and, as I'm a better manager now than I was then, I believe I should be in the running whenever it comes round again.
"That's not vanity or being full of my own importance. My track record entitles me to be considered. I'm ambitious and I still want the England job, but I have less chance now even though I'm better equipped to do it."
Allardyce, who left West Ham in the summer, has signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
Danielle Joynson
