Harry Redknapp believes there are only two candidates who should be in the running for the England men's team job… and it's not odds favourites Eddie Howe or Graham Potter.

Writing in his column for The Sun, Redknapp said his picks for the top job in English football might confound expectation, but does not expect either to be shortlisted for the managerial position.

'I’ve a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race – you’re bang on!' Redknapp wrote.

'And while we’re at it, here’s another... I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.

'Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.

Redknapp has shared who he thinks should succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager

 'I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.'

Redknapp's choices may raise eyebrows given they've both had mixed experiences managing at club level, but the former Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Portsmouth manager has cautioned being quick to write either off. 

'Either of them could do the job standing on their head,' Redknapp continued yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.

'Mind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.'

The once-managerial candidate for England shared his rationale for his picks, reminding not downplay either's achievements early on in their respective managerial careers.

'Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea,' Redknapp said. 'Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.

'There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade – unbeaten as well – and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.

'But you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea – he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.

'So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.'