Sam Allardyce’s first game as England boss will be against Croatia at Wembley on September 1

SAM ALLARDYCE's first England game will now be against Croatia on September 1.

FA chiefs have arranged the Wembley friendly three days before the new manager's opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.

3

3

Steve McClaren who beat Allardyce to the England job ten years ago was sacked after a home defeat to Croatia which cost the Three Lions a place at Euro 2008.

Allardyce will be unveiled today at St George's Park after being handed the job of succeeding Roy Hodgson.

3

His first competitive fixture will be the opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on September 4.

Big Sam is determined to stamp his authority on England's flops and SunSport revealed yesterday how he is looking to keep Wayne Rooney as skipper.

RELATED STORIES

PALM READER

Cole Palmer left in hysterics as Cucurella serenades rapper in brilliant video

BARC-ICAL

‘Have you ever seen a goal like that?’ asks commentator in bizarre Barcelona tie

MEGA MGM

Welcome bonus: Get £40 in free bets when you stake £10 on football with BetMGM

TOTELY GREAT

Get £40 welcome bonus when you stake £10 on football with Tote

And he will stick with Joe Hart despite his Euro blunders - if the Manchester City No1 can promise to keep calm.

Also today, Barcelona - including Lionel Messi -will begin a stint training at SGP.