New England manager Sam Allardyce has rubbished suggestions that he sticks to long-ball tactics.

The 61-year-old was appointed the new Three Lions boss on a two-year deal last week, succeeding Roy Hodgson.

There have been questions as to whether the former West Ham United and Sunderland boss will be able to create attractive and attacking football.

During his first press conference as England boss, Allardyce defended his style by claiming that he got the best out of Jermain Defoe at Sunderland by playing him up front on his own.

"The England job is about winning," Allardyce told reporters. "We will adapt our style to play different opponents. I think we need to be more adaptable.

"Everyone thinks I play one style - it's a tag I can't shake but I played with Jermain Defoe up front on his own last season at 5ft 10".

"At Tottenham everyone said he couldn't play up front on his own, and what did he do for me? Played up front on his own all season and scored 15 goals in the Premier League."

The ex-Bolton Wanderers boss has also claimed that it is "too early" to say whether or not Wayne Rooney will remain as captain.