Sam Allardyce turns to Premier League champions Leicester as Craig Shakespeare joins England coaching staff
Claudio Ranieri's assistant joins Big Sam's new-look Three Lions backroom team - but will remain with Foxes
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SAM ALLARDYCE has appointed Leicester assistant manager Craig Shakespeare as his new England first-team coach.
The 52-year-old will work alongside Big Sam's No2 Sammy Lee and goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson in the new-look Three Lions backroom team.
And the first task for them will begin in a matter of days as they prepare the national side to take their first step towards the 2018 World Cup in Russia with an away qualifier against Slovakia on 4 September.
Shakespeare assisted Claudio Ranieri as the Foxes shocked the world to win the Premier League last season, and he will continue that role alongside his new international duties.
The former Hull coach, who had spells with Walsall and West Brom during his playing days, is already looking forward to his first taste of England duty.
Shakespeare said: “This is a huge honour for me.
“Anyone involved in football knows that representing your country is something special and this caps off a brilliant year.
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“Leicester have been really good to me and I am sure the international experience I get from being alongside Sam and Sammy will add to my work at the club.
“We will have an elite group of players and a great facility in St. George’s Park. I can’t wait to get started.”
Allardyce was equally delighted with his latest addition.
Big Sam told The FA website: “Craig will be a tremendous asset to England, and I am grateful to Leicester for their help in making this happen.
“Sammy and I know him well and he will bring his own insight to what we are trying to do with the squad.
“Players respect him and his achievement this past season means we will be getting someone who has a strong winning mentality.”
Allardyce will name his first England squad for the Slovakia clash next week.