Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has hit back at suggestions he lacks the pedigree to become a successful England manager.

David Beckham claims the new manager needs a "certain amount of experience" and must "be able to handle big games like in the Champions League and World Cups."

But Allardyce - who has only managed Limerick FC, Blackpool, Notts County and Bolton- insists the high intensity of the Premiership is enough to prepare any manager for international football.

The 51-year-old said: "So the England manager must have Champions League experience, at least on the back of what David Beckham says? I don’t think so!

"Of course, experience of the game at the highest level would help. But it is not essential. All that matters is that you are a great manager - if that applies, you are right for the job.

"It’s the same when people say you should have played international football to have the right credentials to manage a national team.

"Was Sven-Goran Eriksson an international footballer? No. Were Jose Mourinho or Rafael Benitez? No. Nobody seems to question their coaching qualifications.

"Everyone knows I would love to have the opportunity to be interviewed for the England job. If that happens it would be fantastic. But until those decisions are made I have a duty to my club."

PA