Redknapp signals interest in England job

Redknapp says the England job should be given to an Englishman (GETTY IMAGES)

Harry Redknapp today hinted he would not turn down the England job if the Football Association come calling in two years' time.

Tottenham manager Redknapp is the bookies' favourite to succeed Fabio Capello, who has confirmed he intends to step down after the 2012 European Championships.

The Spurs boss insisted he is not counting down the days until Capello quits his £6m-a-year job but is adamant the Italian's successor should be English.

Redknapp said of the prospect of managing his country: "Honestly, it's not something I sit at home and ever think about. I really don't

"I've always said if you're an Englishman, it would be hard to turn it down, because it's the pinnacle of your career."

He added: "Why do the English lads waste their time doing their coaching badges and all the rest of the work if they're never going to get the chance to manage at the top level?

"I want to see an Englishman get the job - whoever it may be - and there are lots of lads out there who could do that job, I'm sure."

Redknapp hit out at the lack of opportunities given to English coaches.

"There are people out there in the lower divisions who could do my job, without a doubt," he said.

"John Still at Dagenham and Redbridge could do my job. Understands the game, fantastic on the game. Never gets a chance to manage in the Premier League.

"There's loads of lads around like that, who just don't get the opportunity.

"I've been one of the lucky ones to get the chance to manage at the top level.

"If you've got good players, managing England wouldn't be that difficult. And we've got good players, so I'm sure somebody out there could do it."

The Spurs boss insisted it was impossible to predict this far in advance who the Football Association would turn to in 2012.

"2012? I look at my life and I worry about next week, to be honest," he said.

"Thinking about what's going to happen in two years' time is too far away for me to worry about.

"Who knows where we're going to be, what we're going to be doing in two years? You just never know."