Sam Allardyce’s time as England manager has come to a sensational end as his contract was terminated after just one match in charge.

Allardyce was targeted in a Daily Telegraph investigation into alleged corruption in English football, and the departure of the 61-year-old after just 67 days was announced following crisis talks involving FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn.

Videos released by the Telegraph showed Allardyce discussing a £400,000 deal to address investors in the Far East and his views on the outlawed practice of third-party player ownership.

England Under-21 boss and former Sussex schoolboy Gareth Southgate will take charge of the senior side for the next four games in the wake of Allardyce’s departure.

An FA statement said: “Allardyce’s conduct was inappropriate of the England manager.

“He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, the FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.”

Southgate, who grew up in Crawley and attended Pound Hill and Hazelwick schools, will take charge of England for the matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA begins its search for a new manager.

Allardyce said in a statement: “It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome.

“Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need the FA’s full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment.”