Tony Pulis backs Alan Pardew to be next England manager

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis says Crystal Palace counterpart Alan Pardew should be the next England manager.

The pair go head-to-head at Selhurst Park this Saturday lunchtime and Pulis, a former Palace boss, believes his rival should be considered as the front-runner to succeed Roy Hodgson.

"When you look at Alan's record over the years he's been as good as anybody," Pulis said.

"Knowing Roy he will want to do the Euros and the next World Cup, but if you're looking for the next England manager Pardew's got to be looked at. He would definitely come into the frame for me."

Since taking over at Palace, Pardew has transformed the side, leading them from the relegation zone to 10th place last season, taking 25 points from just 14 games. His side have started well again this season and sit seventh with 12 points from their opening seven fixtures.

Pardew will equal Pulis' reign as Palace manager in the Premier League this weekend and has a superior record, having won three more games, scoring 10 more goals and averaging 0.26 more points a game.

And Pulis says it is not just Pardew's work at Palace that deserves praise, but also his time with previous club Newcastle.

"He's done very well everywhere he's been. He's done a fantastic job at Newcastle and I don't think he got the credit he deserved," Pulis added. "Now he's gone to Palace and picked it up."