On his first day as England manager, Sam Allardyce called for a mid-season break in order to benefit his players.

The 61-year-old was appointed as Roy Hodgson's successor on a two-year deal last week.

Allardyce, who has been in charge of nine clubs during his management career, has championed the notion of winter breaks in the domestic season for some time.

Leagues in Germany and Spain have scheduled breaks in the winter months, whereas England's divisions create jam-packed fixture lists over Christmas and the New Year.

"I've been an advocate of a mid-season break for about 10 years," Allardyce told reporters in his first official press conference as Three Lions boss.

"The demand physically and mentally on the players is enormous. A break would help the players and would help the national team. January and February is always the most difficult period."

Meanwhile, the former West Ham United and Sunderland manager has claimed that it is "too early" to say whether or not Wayne Rooney will remain as England captain.