Redknapp backs Pearce but no approach from FA

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp voiced his support for England caretaker Stuart Pearce yesterday but revealed he had not yet been approached over taking the job full-time.

Redknapp is regarded as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Fabio Capello but Pearce will take charge of England for next Wednesday’s friendly against Holland at Wembley.

And Redknapp is confident that the former England full-back would make a decent fist of next week’s step up to international management.

“I am sure he will do well,” Redknapp said of Pearce.

“I signed him as a player for West Ham and he was fantastic. I tried to sign him two years before but the chairman at the time said ‘he’s too old Harry, he’s finished’.

“Then he went to Newcastle, didn’t do so great, but I took him to West Ham two years later and he was fantastic. He was top class.”

Redknapp, who last week indicated he would be willing to lead England to the European Championships if asked, confirmed he was yet to hear from the FA over the vacancy.

“No, I haven’t been app-roached,” said Redknapp, who has vowed to stay with Tottenham until the end of the season at least.

The Spurs manager, meanwhile, said Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker would be a “good choice” as England captain but acknowledged there were other options.

“It’s up to Stuart who he picks but Scotty would be a good captain,” said Redknapp.

“There are a lot of good candidates but Scott has captained the team here a couple of times here this year and he is a fantastic boy, a great professional. You couldn’t get a better boy. He is a top-class person and a top-class player.”