Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 6y

Joe Hart: It's on us to change England fans' negative attitude

Joe Hart claims it is up to the England players to banish the "cynicism" surrounding the team after the success in qualifying for the World Cup was overshadowed by disgruntled supporters during Thursday's 1-0 victory against Slovenia at Wembley.

England will play in their sixth consecutive World Cup finals in Russia next summer after topping Group G without defeat going into Sunday's final fixture against Lithuania in Vilnius.

But the mood surrounding Gareth Southgate's team appears one of apathy following a succession of failures at major tournaments and West Ham goalkeeper Hart admits he can understand the lack of faith among the nation's football supporters.

"Yes, because I'm an England fan too," Hart told reporters after the win against Slovenia. "Walking off the field gutted at the last tournament, as a player I understand how people feel and it's our job to change that.

"The only way we are going to do that is by doing well at a tournament.

"So people probably are going to be cynical, but at the back of peoples' minds, with the cynicism, they also want to do us well.

"Even a negative report or a negative comment, people would love to flip that and be positive. It's our job to give you the right to be positive.

"That wasn't brilliant [against Slovenia], but we have qualified for a World Cup with a game to go. A lot of good teams won't go to that World Cup, so we are pleased, but still know there is room for improvement."

Hart played in goal for England at Euro 2012, Brazil 2014 and Euro 2016, with a run to the quarterfinals in 2012 the furthest they managed during that period.

And after experiencing repeated disappointment on the biggest stage, Hart admits he and the squad are desperate to restore the feel-good factor by delivering some kind of success in Russia.

"I'm motivated anyway, but of course, we want to be part of that one special team that does something," Hart said. "It's not to prove anyone wrong, it's to make people happy.

"There's no better buzz than being part of a good national team.

"I really enjoyed the good memories of Euro 96. That was an amazing feeling and I'd love to give that to the fans.

"I've been a part of those great qualifying campaigns before then we've gone on to tournaments and we haven't done it.

"But all our good ideas, all our good intentions, we are going to dig deep and get the best out of each other. But ultimately it's about performing on the pitch and that's what we have to do."

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