Allardyce undecided on future of Rooney's England captaincy

Sam Allardyce threw a spanner in the works at his first press conference as England manager, saying it's "far too early" to make a decision on whether Wayne Rooney will remain national team captain.

The Manchester United forward was named skipper by Allardyce's predecessor Roy Hodgson in 2014, but questions over his future in the role were inevitable following the Three Lions' humiliating Euro 2016 exit to Iceland.

Allardyce was introduced to the media Monday after Friday's confirmation that he was set to leave his job as Sunderland boss to assume control of his homeland's team.

When asked if Rooney would continue to don the armband, the thickset gaffer responded: "That's far too early to make any predictions in that area."

Allardyce confirmed old sidekick Sammy Lee, the indiscreet Scouser who worked under him at Bolton Wanderers, will assist him in his new role. Ever confident in his abilities, the former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United manager backed his "man management" to see him succeed, before assessing the task that lies ahead.

"I have a very warm feeling about taking up this position," he said, baring a Cheshire cat grin. "I'm very proud. First of all I want to qualify for the World Cup and take it from there.

"I want to get among all the staff that England have in place already. I want to look at things psychologically, and see if we can help in any way there. I'll look at all areas, coaching, tactics, nutrition, the whole package."

One concern that rose from Allardyce's hire is that two Championship play-off triumphs, and title wins in both the English third tier and League of Ireland comprises all that he has won in his managerial career. He defended his credentials, however, suggesting that keeping cash-strapped clubs afloat are tougher assignments.

"You look at what I've achieved over the years, saving clubs from being relegated, they are not as big as winning things, but they are very difficult things to achieve. Having to secure a club's financial future."

Given the repeated failures of the England national team, through heartbreaking penalty shootout defeats and tournament eliminations courtesy of supposedly lesser sides, there is an argument Allardyce's new job isn't as feted as it once was. The 61-year-old denies he has taken a poison chalice, though.

He replied: "Not for me. I'm ardent. I'm tough enough. So bring it on lads!"

England begins its qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Slovakia on Sept. 4. Before then, Allardyce is expected to oversee his first match at Wembley in a friendly against Croatia on Sept. 1.