Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes Sam Allardyce will be a strong candidate for the England job in two years' time.
Hughes will return to the club he managed between 2004-08 tomorrow, when the Cottagers travel to Blackburn in the Premier League.
Allardyce took over at Rovers in December 2008 after Paul Ince's reign was brought to an early conclusion.
The Welshman admires Allardyce and believes he has a chance of replacing Fabio Capello when the Italian steps down as England coach in 2012 but questions whether his tactics would suit the international stage.
Hughes said: "Sam's record in the Premier League stands comparison with any British, England or foreign manager at the level of the clubs he's been at.
"He's a successful Premier League manager and the view at this time is that England need an English manager.
"I also hold that view because it's important that a country is led by someone of the same nationality.
"Sam has made his mark in the Premier League, which is the strongest league in world football. If you can get positive results in this league, you're a good manager.
"Whether the way Sam sets up his team lends itself to international management is a debate for another day. But his record in terms of games won makes him a strong candidate."
Winger Damien Duff returns against his former club after recovering from a calf injury but Fulham will be missing Bobby Zamora for at least five months.
Hughes insists, though, that Andy Johnson will not be rushed back into action to replace Zamora.
Johnson, 29, has not played since January after aggravating a groin problem. But Hughes fears the former England striker could break down again.
Hughes said: "We're hoping to get Andy back — which will compensate for the loss of Bobby — in three to four weeks. But we don't want to rush him."
