Shilton sees positives from Spurs' slide

Peter Shilton claims England could announce Harry Redknapp as their new coach if Tottenham slip out of Champions League contention.

The former goalkeeper, who is the Three Lions most capped player, feels the Football Association's decision to delay the naming of Fabio Capello's successor is not beneficial for the country's Euro 2012 preparations. However, Shilton understands the FA cannot make a concrete move for their number one target Redknapp while he is still trying to secure a place in the Premier League's top three or four which would potentially bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane next season. But with Spurs currently stuck in a poor run of form which has seen them slip from third to fifth and three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, Shilton feels the FA might be in a position to approach Redknapp sooner than anticipated should it become mathematically impossible for them to finish in the top four before the end of the season. Shilton, who was representing England team sponsor, Vauxhall, when appearing at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2012 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham said: "There is this situation where Harry might be going for the Champions League spot and so he wants to be loyal to the club. But maybe the fact Spurs have had a dip in form could be a blessing for England. "Maybe they (the FA) think they can announce it a bit earlier if Spurs are not going to qualify for the Champions League. But the sooner the better. It is a bit of a dilemma and you can understand the FA because they've got this club-versus-country situation. For the England fans and team, it has got to be done as soon as possible."