Despite his confirmation as the new Three Lions boss reportedly imminent, the 61-year-old was at his club's friendly against Hartlepool United
Sam Allardyce was in attendance for Sunderland's pre-season friendly at Hartlepool United on Wednesday amid reports he has won the race to succeed Roy Hodgson as England manager.
The Black Cats previously confirmed that boss Allardyce was in talks with the Football Association and speculation is rife that he is on the verge of landing the job with an announcement seemingly imminent.
Allardyce, however, turned up as normal for the game at Victoria Park, greeting supporters and signing autographs in an apparently cheery mood for the side's first pre-season fixture.