Harry Redknapp's chances of becoming the next England manager have increased significantly with an insistence from the Football Association that Sir Trevor Brooking is not opposed to the Tottenham boss.

Redknapp and Brooking are understood to have some history that dates back to when Redknapp, who turned 65 on Friday, was the West Ham manager.

But the FA have responded privately to reports by stressing that at no point during discussions between Brooking and the three other members of the Club England board - FA chairman David Bernstein, general secretary Alex Horne and Club England managing director Adrian Bevington - has such an issue about Redknapp ever been raised.

Many happy returns: Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp looked in good cheer as he turned 65 on Friday

Horne said the FA would wait until the 'back end' of the Barclays Premier League season before approaching any club about their manager. This means the new manager could be in place before May 13.

Euro 2012 starts on June 8, but there is confidence at Wembley that a deal can quickly be struck - even if they have clearly lined up Stuart Pearce to remain in charge should they need him.

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