Tottenham No2 Kevin Bond says manager Harry Redknapp would be the ideal England coach.
Redknapp, who is the bookmakers' favourite to do just that, is on the record as saying he could not turn down the chance to manage his country.
And Bond was unequivocal today over whether his mentor was up to the challenge.
"I definitely think that he can do it," said the 53-year-old.
Few in football have a better understanding of what makes Redknapp tick than Bond, who has known the man 10 years his senior since playing under him at Bournemouth more than 20 years ago.
The pair, who went on to forge a coaching relationship at Portsmouth which has since been cemented at White Hart Lane, now share a car from the south coast to Spurs' training ground.
Redknapp leaves Bournemouth to pick up Southampton-based Bond at 6am, and during the 90-minute drive to Chigwell, they talk almost nothing but football.
"Harry is a winner," said Bond, who revealed he used to beat Redknapp at golf, but no longer.
"He can be difficult when things aren't going well. He doesn't like getting beaten and when we are not getting results.
"We sit in the car for hours and if we talk about something other than football, within five minutes, we will be back to it. He absolutely lives for it.
"He is all-consumed by the game - his wife will tell you that - and he won't change."
Bond insisted he and Redknapp do not speak about the England job but is in no doubt of the qualities the latter would bring to the role.
He said: "The qualities that he has brought here: played players in their best positions, where possible, gets the best out of them."
