Sam Allardyce 'more than ready' for England, says Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho Thursday backed Sam Allardyce's impending appointment as England manager saying he is a "good choice" for the job.

"I think it's the right person for that job," Mourinho told a news conference in Shanghai on the eve of his side's International Champions Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.

"I think he's a good choice. I think Sam never had a big chance at the highest level; lots of experience in the Premier League but never that big one and now he has the big one.

"I think he's more than ready."

Allardyce is set to be chosen as new England manager at a Football Association board meeting at Wembley on Thursday, FA chairman Greg Dyke said.

"Big Sam", as the Sunderland manager is known, has been selected by a three-man FA panel from a shortlist that included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Allardyce is also thought to have received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and the new Old Trafford boss agrees.

"I think he's a good motivator. I think he can create a good team spirit with his players," said Mourinho.

"And I wish him the best from my side and not just as a friend but as a Manchester United manager.

"The only thing I can promise is that I am going to try to support him in the best way ...to have English players always available in conditions to help him.

"So good luck to Sam."

Dyke told the UK's Sky Sports News that the board were due to rubber-stamp Allardyce's appointment.

"Clearly the three-man group are convinced he's the right man and I go along with that, yes.

"We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man.

"They've taken that decision and obviously we'll agree with them."