SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has backed Sam Allardyce to be the next England manager and would love to be part of the coaching set up himself.

Allardyce – who Brown worked with at Bolton Wanderers – is favourite to succeed Roy Hodgson in charge of the national team.

And Brown believes Allardyce deserves the opportunity to manage his country.

“I think the job is Sam’s if he wants it, if you ask me,” Brown told talkSPORT.

“There aren’t many prime English candidates about and the pinnacle of any manager’s career is at an international level.

“If your country comes calling, it’s a no-brainer and I would love to be involve as well if possible.

“I would absolutely walk on broken glass for that chance.

“You name it, I would do it, to the benefit of me, obviously, but also for the benefit of the country.

“How could anyone say no to their country?

“You could do it as a dual role but the FA probably wouldn’t be interested in that.

“They’ll want 100 per cent commitment to the country.”

MORE TO FOLLOW