The rush has been to hail the coronation of Harry Redknapp as the next England manager.

On popularity alone, he would obliterate the case of any potential rival, and in declaring their preference for an "English or British" candidate, the Football Association further restricted the field. Widespread acclaim might be enough on its own to propel Redknapp into the position, but sentiment, adoration and a kind of enthralled respect will be flimsy qualities in the tension and agitation of a major finals.

The four men who will decide upon Fabio Capello's successor – David Bernstein, the FA chairman, Alex Horne, the general secretary, Sir Trevor Brooking, the director of football development, and Adrian Bevington, managing director of Club England – met yesterday to identify what they are looking for. A shortlist will be drawn up, but it already seems a contrary act to value the merits of anyone else.

Having not tried to persuade Capello against resigning, on the day that the Tottenham Hotspur manager was cleared of tax evasion, the FA essentially kick-started the campaigning on Redknapp's behalf. Yet it seems absurd to discount others because of a misguided sense of patriotism. Guus Hiddink, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Marcello Lippi could all make a more persuasive case than Redknapp to manage taut situations at the highest level.

English football is torn between its reflexive sense of self-importance and an acknowledgement that in encounters with the elite, a recurring flaw keeps being exposed. The World Cup win of 1966 is held as the example of the values the English game cherishes, but it has become an unattainable ideal. Appointing a native manager will not guarantee the national team becomes a renewed force. There is merit in the idea of seeking somebody with a less cold, abrasive or aloof manner than Capello, but other traits are more relevant.

Hiddink has established himself as the archetypal international manager for hire. He has the track record to command the devotion of a group of England players who, reflecting the hubris of the Barclays Premier League, consider themselves an entitled elite. The Dutchman can also call upon the experience of managing at several international tournaments, as well as the kind of tactical sophistication that the British game still instinctively sneers at.

The FA might consider an exception to their homegrown preference for an outstanding candidate, but it still seems short-sighted to dissuade others from applying. Appointing an Englishman out of principle, rather than attempting to improve coaching courses and establishing an environment that helps English managers to rise to the top of the game, is a short-term measure. Steve McClaren, Kevin Keegan and Glenn Hoddle all found that the job of managing the national side exposed their flaws.

Redknapp is better equipped to avoid the same pitfalls. He is not as tactically naive has his caricature would suggest, but then he is also happy to allow himself to be widely portrayed as a kind of lovable, raffish figure. His Spurs side manages to blend an exhilarating attacking instinct with the defensive clout to be outsiders in the title race and strong contenders for a Champions League place. Redknapp is no glib idealist.

Players line up to endorse him, but he is not a soft touch, either. He is a complex figure, capable of bonhomie and wrath, subtlety and bluntness, with a background that suggests he can maximise resources, but that also only includes one trophy, the FA Cup he won with Portsmouth in 2008.

It is a misinterpretation of Redknapp's work to confine him to a description of being a wheeler and dealer – a phrase he once took exception to himself. Yet he seldom allows a transfer window to pass by unexploited, and he would relish the prospect of being able to call upon an entire nation of players. Redknapp has experience of one Champions League campaign, but Spurs still defeated Internazionale at White Heart Lane and AC Milan at the San Siro.

Some foreign managers could outrank Redknapp, at least in terms of honours and experience, but his retort would be his understanding of the nature of English footballers, and the game itself, including its foibles. He would be granted a more accommodating press, at least until results turned against him. He may consider that inevitability a strong case for staying put – and there is a view that he might take the England job for the Euro 2012 finals only – but also that this season might represent a high point at White Hart Lane.

The FA are obliged to do their best for the national team, as well as the game, which means at the very least generating the strongest possible field of candidates. Redknapp might still emerge as the favoured choice, but it will be a stronger endorsement of his credentials than a popularity vote.