So why then would he want to take over the poisoned chalice (couldn’t resist the cliché) that is the England job? Never has Harry’s stock been higher in the English game. He’s building a legacy at Spurs and has, in little over three years, taken them from relegation candidates to one of the best teams in the land. Put simply, this is the closest the north London side have been to the Premier League title and surely Harry would want to complete his project at White Hart Lane?
The England job seems to have a habit of damaging reputations; simply look at the list of managers who’ve had their hands burnt when trying make England a force to be reckoned with – Keegan, Capello, McClaren, Hoddle. All of these names have stepped up, tried their hand and consequently, in the eyes of many, failed miserably. Capello in particular was a well-respected manager before signing on the dotted line with the FA – a glittering trophy cabinet was replaced with four-years of (let’s face it) general despondency with England. Simply cast an eye to the disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign to see proof of this.
I’ve no doubt Harry Redknapp would reignite some passion in the England side and he would be well-liked amongst the players. But what if he was found out tactically on the big stage? What if he took England to the Euros and suffered a humiliating early exit? The press would be all over him like a swarm of bees such is the enormity of the job and the baggage it brings. Harry, take it from me, keep your cushty little job at Spurs and save yourself the hassle and pain of trying to lead 11 huge egos to glory at this summer’s European Championships.
The England job is an almost impossible task and even if it was someone such as Sir Alex Ferguson in charge, I’d hedge a safe bet that even he’d have great difficulty in trying to make us great again. The truth remains – we’re just an average footballing nation.
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