Redknapp backed for England job

Leading figures in football have backed Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager following the Italian's stunning resignation last night. Capello stepped down following a meeting with Football Association chiefs at Wembley Stadium days after he criticised their decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy. Tottenham boss Redknapp was cleared of tax evasion charges earlier in the day and immediately attracted the backing of many in the game. Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said on Twitter: "Gutted Capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me." Former FA chief executive David Davies said on Sky News: "My instinct is that someone like Harry Redknapp ultimately will not want to turn down the job of England manager and my instinct is that Tottenham Hotspur ultimately will not want to stand in his way." But Scotland boss Craig Levein cast doubt on whether the 64-year-old would be able to combine the job with his Spurs commitments in the short term. Levein said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think it's extremely difficult. It might be very difficult for a manager to stay at his club and devote the time that's needed to do the England manager's job. I don't know what the FA will decide is the best way forward." Capello's decision shocked many in the England squad, with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere - who won his first cap under Capello against Hungary in August 2010 - echoing Rooney's emotions. The 20-year-old said on Twitter: "Shocked about news on Fabio Capello...gutted to be honest, gave me my 1st cap and believed in me! Thank you Mr Capello! #GreatManager.'" Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand - who earlier revealed he was not interested in taking over the captaincy from Terry - tweeted simply: "So Capello resigns....what now...." The FA went over the Italian's head to take the armband away from Terry until after his July court case, where he will deny racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother, QPR defender Anton. Former Brighton manager Alan Mullery also sympathised with Capello over the circumstances of his exit. Mullery told Sky Sports News: "I don't think he (Capello) had a responsibility to stay on. I was put in the same position as manager, I'd sold Mark Lawrenson to Manchester United and the club sold him to Liverpool. Capello was put in a similar position. "It will now upset the chairman of Tottenham. It's an absolute mess. Is he (Redknapp) going to be at Tottenham for the rest of the season? I feel for Daniel Levy because Harry has been fantastic for Tottenham over the last three seasons." But FA chairman David Bernstein received full backing for his stance from Football League chairman Greg Clarke. Clarke said: "What the FA has needed for a long time is strong, ethical leadership. David Bernstein is now delivering that leadership and he has my full support."