Steven Gerrard denies contacting Harry Redknapp directly to tell he wanted him to become England manager

National team captain delighted that Roy Hodgson got the job in the end

Steven Gerrard speaks to the press on Thursday (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerard has denied sending Harry Redknapp a text message saying he wanted him to become the England manager - but did admit to speaking Jamie Redknapp, Harry’s son, to wish his father luck.

Harry Redknapp, now Queens Park Rangers manager, wrote in his autobiography, serialised in The Daily Mail: “All the senior players seemed to be up for me to get the job. I got quite a few text messages at the time from players saying they would love me to manage England: Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry.”

Gerrard responded today by saying he did not contact the manager, who was then in charge of Tottenham and odds-on favourite to replace Fabio Capello, directly.

“I didn't text Harry Redknapp on his personal phone. I've never had his personal number,” Gerrard revealed. “I had a conversation with Jamie when Harry was the favourite and it was 'only a matter of days' that he was going to be manager.

“I asked Jamie to send my best to his Dad and said we'd all back him.”

The England captain, however, was thrilled that the FA gave Roy Hodgson the job in the end, having worked under him at Liverpool.

“I have tried to back Roy Hodgson and give him my best. I'm delighted he got the job and I've played my most consistent football under Roy, so I have a lot to thank him for.”