Redknapp questions England influence

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says speculation linking him with England may have affected his team’s form.

Fabio Capello abruptly quit the England job on February 8, with the media widely tipping Redknapp to succeed the Italian.

After beating Newcastle 5-0 on February 12, Spurs have endured a run of just two wins in 11 league matches, falling behind Arsenal in the race for automatic Champions League qualification.

And Redknapp now looks set to be overlooked for the England role in favour of West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson.

“Some people will feel it has, people who work with me think it’s definitely had an effect but I don’t know really, I’m not sure,” Redknapp told reporters when asked about the England speculation.

“It’s dragged on a bit, I suppose. That’s the only thing. Other than that I’ve got no problems.

“They choose whoever they want to choose. So I’m very lucky to be managing such a great club with great players.

“It’s not something I thought about or I haven’t spent the last six weeks thinking: ‘Oh my God, what’s the squad I’m going to take (to Euro 2012), what am I going (to do)?’ I’ve just been concentrating solely on Tottenham and that’s not changed.”

In response to Hodgson being granted an interview with the Football Association to discuss the England post, Redknapp said: “I wish him all the best. I don’t hold grudges.”

The possibility of Spurs missing out on Champions League football next season has fuelled speculation as to whether key players Gareth Bale and Luka Modric will remain at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp evaded such rumours but reiterated the importance of strengthening his side in the off season.

“Well, that’s up (to him) – that’s up to Gareth and the chairman to discuss that,” he said.

“I think Tottenham need to strengthen, if we fell down anywhere in the end, it’s just that we didn’t have quite strong enough depth in the squad.

“It was difficult to leave too many of my top players out because I lost people like (Tom) Huddlestone and (Michael) Dawson who would have been very important,” he said, referring to two of Spurs’ long-term injury absentees.

“We need to improve next year and just strengthen the squad a little bit and if we do that we’ll be right there again.”