Joe Hart insists comebacks against Scotland and Slovakia show England are becoming a more resilient side

  • England equalised late against Scotland and came from behind to beat Slovakia
  • Joe Hart believes the Slovakia performance shows England are mentally strong
  • Hart is set to win his 74th international cap against Slovenia on Thursday night
  • The keeper feels that England are becoming less fragile under Gareth Southgate

Joe Hart believes England are starting to overcome the mental fragility that has plagued the national team.

The goalkeeper will win his 74th cap against Slovenia on Thursday night, a game where victory will seal England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup.

Hart’s vast international experience, though, means the keeper has been part of some difficult moments in an England shirt — none more so than the catastrophic defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.

Joe Hart believes England are beginning to exorcise the demons of their Euro 2016 exit

Joe Hart believes England are beginning to exorcise the demons of their Euro 2016 exit

But the 30-year-old believes England are finally starting to move on under Gareth Southgate.


The last gasp equaliser against Scotland in June and coming from a goal down to beat Slovakia last month has provided a degree of evidence that the national team are starting to exorcise some bygone demons.

And Hart said: ‘There was a positive feeling when we went behind against Scotland. I knew we would get a chance against Scotland. 

'Football is crazy. We went 1-0 down against Slovakia. No-one blinked. Maybe you thought we would crumble but not one of us did and we proved that with the performance. 

Hart celebrates during the 2-1 win over Slovakia which saw England come from a goal down

Hart celebrates during the 2-1 win over Slovakia which saw England come from a goal down

‘We didn’t rush and we kept the ball and we were cool, calm and confident. In the end, Slovakia were dead on their feet. We have got to believe in what we do. We believe in each other but football is football. 

'You will go behind at some point, you will go down to 10 men at some point you will take the lead and lose the lead. These are all the situations we have to look over and we will be cool and calm and get through it.

‘I feel great behind this team. It really excites me and fascinates me what we have to offer but I have always felt that way. That is the worrying thing. 

'People have always asked me what is the key and what needs to be different. I cannot give an answer. I believe in the squad from the bottom of my heart. I believe we are capable but there is a big difference in believing in something and doing it.’ 

Gareth Southgate embraces Harry Kane after the striker scored a late equaliser in Scotland

Gareth Southgate embraces Harry Kane after the striker scored a late equaliser in Scotland