Redknapp: I'm proud of Tottenham's English core
HARRY Redknapp admits he is proud to be managing a genuine English team after seeing Tottenham dominate England's provisional World Cup squad. Fabio Capello named six Spurs stars in his 30-man unit today, a higher proportion than any...
By Ben Pearce
HARRY Redknapp admits he is proud to be managing a genuine English team after seeing Tottenham dominate England's provisional World Cup squad.
Fabio Capello named six Spurs stars in his 30-man unit today, a higher proportion than any other Premier League team.
Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Michael Dawson all made the first cut.
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And, having led the Lilywhites into the top four this season, Redknapp concedes that he places a high value on his side's home-grown centre.
"It was great the other night, we had seven English lads on the pitch at Manchester City, as well as Gareth Bale, who is obviously Welsh, so eight who are British. I think that was good for the club, to have a big core of English players," said Redknapp.
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"It's great that they get picked for their country, it's great that they get to go to a World Cup and it's a fantastic honour for any player so we're pleased for all of them individually.
"I'm proud of the fact that they're getting selected for their countries, and to go and play in the World Cup has got to be a dream for all of then, to go to South Africa, so I'm delighted for all of them."
Spurs' successful six will now bid to win a place in Capello's final 23-man squad, which will be announced on May 30, but that is by no means the full extent of Tottenham's English contingent.
Jermaine Jenas, David Bentley and Jonathan Woodgate have 36 England caps between them, while Jamie O'Hara, Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton have all played for the Under-21s.
Redknapp named two English goalkeepers in his squad for Sunday's trip to Burnley, with 23-year-old Ben Alnwick replacing Heurelho Gomes in the starting line-up and 36-year-old Jimmy Walker taking his place on the bench.
The Spurs boss has also maintained the Lilywhites' policy of recruiting young English talent.
Naughton and Kyle Walker both arrived from Sheffield United last summer, and Redknapp also has high hopes for the likes of Rose, Jake Livermore, John Bostock, Dean Parrett and John Obika.
Redknapp believes that Spurs will be in a strong position when a new Premier League rule comes into force at the end of August, forcing top-flight teams to name at least eight 'home-grown' players in their 25-man squad.
"We've got a couple of young lads who I like. I've been pleased with one or two of them and the progress they've been making, they'll be important," said Redknapp.
"This new rule is going to interesting next season. We went through it the other day. I couldn't understand half of it, but you're got to have a certain amount of home-grown players. We're in a better position than a lot of teams.
