What does Big Sam’s new job mean for the Hammers?

Following England’s humiliating exit at Euro 2016 there was always going to be a manager change but there were questions over who actually wanted to take the job. Gareth Southgate? Steve Bruce? Or a foreign manager? The FA eventually decided that former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was the man to take the England national team forward and this is nothing but good news for West Ham fans.

Allardyce was in charge at Upton Park for four years and it’s fair to say that he was successful. He managed to bring West Ham back into the Premier League after only one season in the Championship and we’ll never forget the thrilling football we played in the first half of his last season.

His appointment means that after years of our players being overlooked, they may actually stand a chance of being called up to the England squad. Allardyce has managed them, seen their quality in training and what they are capable of producing.

So who do I believe could potentially play a major role in Allardyce’s England?

The most obvious choice is Mark Noble who to this date has not been called up once despite his consistent performances for West Ham. He has represented England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level though he has had no luck when it comes to the senior team. Noble was one of the first names on the team sheet with Allardyce playing him 150 times in his four seasons at the club.

Although Noble has been praised for his passing ability and seen by some as the CDM that England need, Eric Dier’s outstanding performances at Euro 2016 means it’s unlikely that he’ll be replaced. Some are even calling for him to be captain! Allardyce may even favour experience and opt for Michael Carrick, another player largely overlooked by England. Nevertheless, we can have faith that Noble will at least get a chance to show his worth.

Aaron Cresswell is another player who arguably should have been on the plane to France but instead was sitting at home. Allardyce signed him in July 2014 and Cresswell went on to win Hammer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season. England have been blessed with talented left-backs over the past ten years with Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines battling for the starting role.

Since their departures the likes of Danny Rose and Luke Shaw have come through and a case could be made for either to start. But Cresswell’s attacking prowess and all-round consistent performances under Allardyce may see him get his first call up and join that battle for a starting role.

Now the last player is not one of Michail Antonio or Andy Carroll but our teenage sensation, Reece Oxford. Yes, I do know that he is only 17 years old (soon to be 18) but Allardyce has shown that he is not afraid to take chances on young players throughout his managerial career. With England’s centre-back options being limited and defence being a major worry, Oxford is likely to play a major role in England’s future should he continue his rapid development.

Let’s not forget that Marcus Rashford is only 18 years old and he was probably one of England’s best players at Euro 2016. As the great Sir Matt Busby once said, “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough”.