By Chris Charles

Redknapp is tipping England to do well in Germany

Jamie Redknapp has joined the call for the next England manager to be British.

Redknapp, capped 17 times by his country, said Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor needed to have a good understanding of the national game.

He told BBC Sport: "I think it's got to be someone British, someone who knows the mentality of the players.

"And just as importantly, someone who understands our media. Sven, at times, hasn't understood the press enough and that's why he's got into problems."

Redknapp believes there are several homegrown coaches who would fit the bill, including his old England team-mate Stuart Pearce.

"I think we could do a lot worse than Stuart," the former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder said.

"He was such a great leader and a great example to anyone of how to be a winner. He's still obviously very young but I don't necessarily think he's too inexperienced for the job.

"Martin O'Neill's a guy I've got a lot of respect for. He's a top man and he's been a great manager over the years. I'm also a big fan of Sam Allardyce."

Redknapp, speaking at a Budweiser World Cup event, insisted: "It's all about timing. Eight months ago, people would have been saying 'give the job to Steve McClaren' - but then Middlesbrough had a bad time of it and they were looking at other options.

"Steve would appear to be out of the running now, but Middlesbrough have had two great results in the last week and if their good form continues, you never know."

Redknapp in his England days

Whoever gets the job, Redknapp is confident England can go all the way in Gemany.

"I think we've got our best chance since '66," he said. "If you look at the players we've got - Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Beckham, they just roll off the tongue.

"It's obviously going to be tough because you're going to have to face the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Holland and Germany to actually win the trophy.

"Brazil will probably pose the biggest threat to our chances. The likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka are special players and up front they've got the likes of Ronaldo and Robinho. But I really don't think we've got anything to be afraid of."