West Bromich Albion have granted the FA permission to talk to Roy Hodgson with a view to him taking the vacant England managers job.

This has come as a surprise to many as the consensus view was that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would be the man to lead England into European Championships this summer.

A statement released on the FA's official website this evening read; West Bromwich Albion have today granted permission for The FA to speak with Roy Hodgson regarding the position of England Manager.

This follows an approach from FA Chairman David Bernstein to West Bromwich Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace.

David Bernstein said: "I'm grateful to Jeremy and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, who I have since spoken with.

"Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set-out soon after Fabio Capello's departure.

"Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made."