Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Gerrard Behind Harry For England

Steven Gerrard believes Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has proved himself a worthy candidate to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager next year.

Capello will step down from the post after the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine next summer, having taken the helm in 2008.

Three Lions midfielder Gerrard believes the Football Association should appoint an English manager in his place, with Redknapp already tipped as a favourite for the role.

And the Liverpool captain feels the Spurs boss, as well as "two or three" other English candidates, would be a good fit.

"There are very good English managers out there," Gerrard, who was speaking on behalf of the England Footballers Foundation at an event at Knowsley Safari Park, told Sky Sports News.

"Harry Redknapp's name crops up a lot and he's done an unbelievable job. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for what he's done at Tottenham.

"There's also maybe two or three other candidates along with Harry.

"I don't see why we should have to look abroad if the English managers are good enough to do it, which I believe they are.

"But, for me, it's always the case of picking the best manager that can bring success for the country."

Gerrard is hoping England can give Capello a good send-off by doing well at the Euros after a woeful World Cup campaign last summer.

"I've enjoyed working with Fabio since he's been here," he said.

"If I'm selected to go in the summer my attitude will be to give everything for the manager knowing that it is his last tournament.

"They'll be nothing better than to send him away with a smile on his face and have a successful tournament."

He added: "For the players and the staff at this level you've always got to treat a tournament like it is your last one because you never know if you're going to be involved two years or four years down the line.

"As far as your performances go you've got to try and leave everything out there and give everything you've got."

The Reds skipper hopes the mix of youth and experience in Capello's squad will stand them in good stead for the tournament.

He said: "There's a fine blend of young, exciting players coming through and there's still some good old ones about as well so hopefully we've got the right balance in the squad going into the summer tournament."

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