Redknapp: 'No problem' with FA moving for Hodgson

LONDON (AP) -- Roy Hodgson looks likely to become England's national team coach in time for the European Championship -- and his main rival for the role says that's just fine.

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp had been bookmakers' favorite to lead England since Fabio Capello quit in February. The Football Association chose not to interview him and has instead asked for and received permission from West Bromwich Albion to speak with Hodgson.

Britain's famously opinionated newspapers widely predicted Redknapp would be hired but the Spurs manager said Monday that he was happy to continue his work at a club he is trying to guide into the Champions League for a second time.

Capello's resignation and Redknapp's elevation by the media coincided with a dramatic loss in form for Tottenham, which won just once in nine matches before returning to the top four of the Premier League with Sunday's 2-0 win over Blackburn.

"I'm very happy to be doing what I am at Tottenham," Redknapp said. "I suppose it's all dragged on a bit, but it's no problem and I'll just get on with my job here and we are looking for a good end to the season. I like Roy. He's a top man and a good guy, and I wish him great success."

Redknapp previously said the England coaching role was the "ultimate" job for an English coach but never said he would take it if it was offered and repeatedly praised Tottenham for backing him during a criminal trial for tax evasion.

Redknapp was cleared of the charges on the same day Capello quit.

With the England vacancy dominating agendas, reporters eventually were banned by Tottenham from asking Redknapp questions about the job.

"Life couldn't be better," Redknapp told Sky Sports TV. "The sun is shining, I'm in good health, and I'm a very lucky man."

Although Redknapp has transformed Tottenham since inheriting a relegation-threatened squad in October 2008, the 2008 FA Cup title with Portsmouth is his only major honor in a 30-year managerial career.

Hodgson has won eight league titles in two countries with three clubs and led three national teams. He guided tiny Fulham to the 2010 Europa League final and was voted manager of the year by his fellow coaches for leading the west London club to a record-high position of seventh in the Premier League.