Redknapp's eyes on Europe, not England

LONDONHarry Redknapp insists he will not allow the speculation linking him with the England job to distract him from his task of securing UEFA Champions League qualification for Tottenham Hotspur. Redknapp has emerged as the clear favourite to succeed Fabio Capello after the Italian quit the post in protest at the Football Associations decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.Capello’s departure came on the same day as Redknapps two-week trial on charges of tax evasion ended with the manager acquitted. The two events combined to provide the Spurs manager with a highly-charged 72 hours before his Tottenham side provided a welcome distraction by defeating Newcastle 5-0 at White Hart Lane.And while Redknapp has admitted he is flattered to be touted as Capello’s replacement, he emphasised his ties with Tottenham - and in particular chairman Daniel Levy - cannot be overlooked. He said: Nothings happened with the England job. No one has spoken to me or Daniel about it. It wouldnt be fair to anyone here to think about it. Daniel gave me the job, he brought me to the club when there was a public court case hanging over me.Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Louis Saha (twice) and Niko Kranjcar scored to put Spurs into a four-goal lead before half time before Emmanuel Adebayor made it five midway through the second half. The result means Spurs lie third, ten points ahead of fourth placed Arsenal and Redknapp is targeting a place in to the Champions League for second time in three seasons.

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Redknapp's eyes on Europe, not England