England job a ‘poisoned chalice’ – Redknapp

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he is still as keen as ever to become England manager, despite describing the job as a “poisoned chalice”.

Redknapp is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Italian Fabio Capello when his contract expires next summer. But while he would gladly take the job, Redknapp admits the position does have its drawbacks.

Asked whether the job is a poisoned chalice, Redknapp said: “Yes.

“(But) it would be difficult for any Englishman to turn the job down.

“I’m not pushing myself for the job; whoever gets offered the job, if they’re an Englishman, it would be hard to say no because it’s your country.”

Reports recently claimed that the English FA even wanted Redknapp to take over from Capello before the Euro 2012 finals.

But Redknapp is adamant that he has had no contact from the FA and insists he has never spoken to Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy about it.

“I haven’t heard nothing from anybody so I’ll just get on with my job and see what happens,” said Redknapp. “You never know what happens in this game, do you? You never know what’s just around the corner.

“I’ve never discussed anything with Daniel (Levy) about England.

“There are plenty of other boys about who could do the job. We’ll see how we go.”