He says he admires Allardyce and believes he has a chance of replacing Fabio Capello when he steps down as England coach in 2012, but Big Sam's tactics (or lack of them) could turn some FA committee members off him.
The next England boss will be English - we already know that - but the options are slim.
Shearer is in the mix, but he has done nothing of any note in management, only that eight-game run at Newcastle when he only won one game.
So, for experience, Allardyce is streets ahead.
Mark Hughes: "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 certainly his record in terms of game won makes him a strong candidate."