England crying out for Harry

Three games, plus two lots of extra-time. Enough to get you from the quarter-finals of a major tournament to the trophy presentation. Enough to decide the next manager of England.

When the jury headed back into Southwark Crown Court after more than five hours of deliberation to declare Harry Redknapp not guilty of tax evasion, they might as well have confirmed him as Fabio Capello’s successor.

If FA chairman David Bernstein feels he has experienced difficulties dealing with the John Terry captaincy over the past week, it would be nothing compared to the explanations required if anyone other than Redknapp was appointed to replace Capello, who quit the job last night.

Let’s go through the list.

English, tick; experienced, tick; managed at the highest level, including the Champions League, tick; won trophies, tick; plays good football, tick; likely to preside over a harmonious dressing room, tick.

Just about the only area he doesn’t get a pass is for being available.

That’s the key issue now.

Is Redknapp prepared to walk out on the club that backed him throughout his trial?

Is he willing to quit a club still in with a chance of winning their first championship since 1961?

At 64, Redknapp has got to the top of the club managerial ladder.

For the first time, he is scrapping away for the biggest prizes.

Never before has he come close to lifting the title.

His Champions League experience lasted just a single season before it was snatched away.

All things being equal, Tottenham could enjoy those big European nights for the next few years without a break.

On a personal level, as he left court yesterday afternoon, Redknapp paid tribute to Spurs for backing him throughout his trial. That has to weigh heavily on his mind if, and presumably when, England come calling.

Does Redknapp really want to give that up for a job that has been like a graveyard for so many who have filled it, that will ensure his every move, on and off the field, is watched like a hawk, every minor mistake forensically picked apart?

On one level, it seems like a no-brainer, as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would no doubt point out.

But on another, Redknapp knows the prize that is on offer.

Bobby Robson was held in so much affection, not for the brilliant work he did at Ipswich, but because he took England to the World Cup semi-final. Steve McClaren can put together a marvellous CV.

He will always be known as the Wally in the Brolly because everyone recalls that dismal soggy night against Croatia.

Alf Ramsey’s memory lives on because it was his wingless wonders that allowed Bobby Moore to lift the greatest prize in the game.

To know that every other summer, qualification permitting, every English person will have their flags out and faces painted, hoping and praying nearly half a century of hurt can be brought to an end. That is the difference. Should Tottenham win the title this year, part of London will be overjoyed, another part devastated, and the rest of the country will offer a nod of admiration and move on with their lives.

It is not like that with England. Everyone who is English has an opinion, everyone cares.

Five-and-a-half hours he waited. Harry, now it’s over to you!