Sam Allardyce vows to get England fans smiling again as players look relaxed ahead of World Cup qualifying opener against Slovakia
Big Sam's troops survey the scene as they look to put the memory of Euro 2016 behind them
Sponsored by
SAM ALLARDYCE has vowed to get England fans smiling again.
The Three Lions boss starts his reign with a World Cup qualifier in Slovakia today.
And he wants to bury the bitter memory of our Euro 2016 KO by Iceland.
Big Sam roared: “Winning is what we want. If the nation thinks that’s the only thing we can have to make us feel better, we’ll try.
"My focus is starting with a win and to make the nation proud of our football team. The nation was proud of the team up to Iceland. It was only that result which turned everyone against the players.
“It was a hugely disappointing result for everyone, and none more so than them.
“Everyone involved in England hurt that night, but the players more than anyone else. There’s a perception that they don’t hurt, but they do.”
Allardyce wants England to march all the way to the World Cup finals in Russia in 2018.
He added: “It’s something we have to try and achieve again, where 2014-16 was a fantastic ride for this young team.
“I just hope they gain in confidence, get there and then do better when they get there in Russia 2018.”
Wayne Rooney will make his 116th appearance, a record for an outfield player — and he insists his hunger to play for England is still there.
He said: “I have said many times that I am proud to play for England and I have been since the moment I got in the team.
“I enjoy tournaments because they’re the pinnacle of the player’s career. I didn’t enjoy the last day in the summer.”
RELATED STORIES
