London — Enduring a five-year police investigation and two-week trial before being cleared of tax fraud has prepared Harry Redknapp for the "aggravation" he knows he would face as England coach.

With the European Championship only four months away, the Tottenham manager is the leading contender to replace Fabio Capello as head of the national team.

With no certainty that Redknapp can be lured from Tottenham, English Football Association executives met Friday to form a shortlist that would likely include other candidates.

"If the opportunity comes, and I get asked, I'll have to consider it," Redknapp said Friday. "I'd be very surprised if I didn't finish the season with Tottenham, that's for sure."