Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham feels England rumours did affect Harry Redknapp earlier this season.

Sheringham, who enjoyed two spells as a player at White Hart Lane, is certain Spurs were derailed by the speculation.

"Without a doubt all the talk about Harry for England must have had an effect," Sheringham told talkSPORT. "As a youngster growing up, psychologically you get talked about, you believe all the hype and you go off your game.

"I remember it happening to me and I've seen it happen with numerous players. You believe what people are talking about and you start thinking about other things before you actually get there.

"And I think with Tottenham and Harry that might have been the case. He might have taken his eye off the ball and other players might have thought he's not going to be here next year so why am I trying my hardest for him.

"If things aren't kept on top of in a football club they don't go quite right and maybe that might have been the answer for Tottenham."