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Hart on the Line

Joe Hart out to cement England No1 spot as he prepares to overtake Gordon Banks as third most-capped keeper

West Ham stopper is more worried about keeping the No1 jersey rather than the records he will break against Slovenia on Thursday

JOE HART will overtake Gordon Banks to become England’s third most-capped keeper at Wembley tomorrow.

But whether he should be considered a Three Lions great like Peter Shilton, David Seaman and 1966 World Cup hero Banks is another matter entirely.

 Joe Hart is one game off equalling David Seaman's 74 caps for England
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Joe Hart is one game off equalling David Seaman's 74 caps for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Although some distance off Shilton’s 125-cap record, Hart will move to within one of Seaman’s tally when he plays his 74th game against Slovenia.

His place alongside the country’s best No 1’s — in terms of matches — is assured. But is he a great? The answer is no.

As Gareth Southgate aims to secure qualification for the World Cup with a victory, there is a strong feeling that the England manager should be looking to replace Hart.

The answer to that is also no.

Jack Butland is the heir apparent, while Jordan Pickford has emerged as a potential star. But Fraser Forster remains in the background and Tom Heaton is injured.

Undoubtedly the pressure remains on West Ham loan signing Hart.

 Joe Hart will still not be known as a England legend
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Joe Hart will still not be known as a England legendCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 It is still debated whether Joe Hart should be England's No1
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It is still debated whether Joe Hart should be England's No1Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But even though he suffered a poor Euro 2016, has seen his confidence shredded by two Manchester City managers, suffered a mixed stint at Torino and could have done better against Scotland in June, Hart is still — despite the arguments — England’s best goalkeeper.

He is fortunate the competition is not stronger and that none of his challengers play for a top-four club. As a result, they do not have sustained experience at European level.

Hart, 30, is also lucky former Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson stuck with him for so many friendlies, meaning his glove rivals have not won as many caps as they should have done.

Stoke star Butland, 24, has no Champions League games under his belt, while Everton No 1 Pickford, 23, remains a rookie.

Southampton’s Forster has played a couple of big clashes — he was once man of the match for Celtic against Barcelona — but the 29-year-old has not been the same since suffering a serious knee injury in 2015.

 Joe Hart will overtake Gordon Banks in England caps at Wembley
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Joe Hart will overtake Gordon Banks in England caps at WembleyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Joe Hart has competition from Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland for the No1 shirt
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Joe Hart has competition from Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland for the No1 shirtCredit: Rex Features

He is only in this squad because under-rated Burnley keeper Heaton, 31, is sidelined until January with a shoulder injury.

It was in Slovenia 12 months ago where Hart delivered one of his finest international performances, making three crucial saves to earn England a 0-0 draw.

He needed it, considering the errors he made against Wales and Iceland at that summer’s Euros.

Fingers were also pointing in his direction at Hampden Park four months ago when he was beaten by two Leigh Griffiths free-kicks — and he could certainly have done better with his positioning for one of them.

Hart’s confidence was torn to pieces by both Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola at City. The latter did not give him a chance and, as a result, he moved on loan to Torino.

In Italy, Hart proved to Guardiola he can play out from the back — yet he still blotted his copybook with a number of errors.

He remains an extremely popular member of the England squad and is not only a good communicator but enjoys a close connection with his defenders. It is why.

 Jack Butland is still struggling to stake his claim as a better keeper than Joe Hart
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Jack Butland is still struggling to stake his claim as a better keeper than Joe HartCredit: Rex Features

Southgate would be unwilling to change him — unless the City outcast makes any more spectacular clangers.

At St George’s Park this week, Hart spoke honestly about his situation.

He also gave an intriguing insight about fighting to become the first-choice and that not all keepers help each other.

Not naming any names, Hart insisted he has not been affected by this — but you had to wonder.

He said: “I don’t know if it is the goalkeepers’ union because you don’t sign up to anything.

“I’ve always found the guys I have worked with that, as goalkeepers, we have found a way to work with each other.

“There are different personalities. There are often at least two — especially at the club, if not here — more than good enough to play the games, so as long as you are up front with each other, you train hard and the service is key.

 Tom Heaton's injury for Burnley has eased the pressure on Joe Hart at England
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Tom Heaton's injury for Burnley has eased the pressure on Joe Hart at EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
 Jordan Pickford is still a bit too inexperienced to unseat Joe Hart
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Jordan Pickford is still a bit too inexperienced to unseat Joe HartCredit: PA:Press Association

“You serve each other and give the same opportunities to each other in training — and then it is down to the manager.

“That is the kind of unwritten rule I have always worked by and I have been lucky enough to be part of squads where all the other keepers, despite what other fantastic ability they bring, whatever form they are in, whoever plays is the manager’s decision.”

Asked whether he knew of instances where keepers do not help each other, Hart replied: “Of course.

“How people behave is totally out of your hands.

“You never know what is going on with someone’s life. Not everyone turns up with a clear mind.

“People have personal things going on, on and off the pitch, and it can affect how people are.”

 Joe Hart has spoken openly about the fight for his position as England No1
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Joe Hart has spoken openly about the fight for his position as England No1Credit: Reuters

Goalkeepers can potentially work against each other in training.

Rather than delivering decent shots to be saved and so providing the necessary practice, players can show off in front of the manager and try to shoot into the top corner. That should be left up to the strikers in the small-sided matches.

In August, Southgate claimed Hart was still his clear No 1 but the Hammers keeper is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “I have got some fantastic competition. And I say fantastic because I really enjoy it and enjoy the standard of goalkeeping at the moment, especially with England and with the Premier League.

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

 Joe Hart's confidence took a knock after being frozen out by Pep Guardiola
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Joe Hart's confidence took a knock after being frozen out by Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA:Press Association

“People have always asked me what is the key and what needs to be different. I cannot give an answer. If I could I would have a lot better record in tournaments.

“I believe we are capable but there is a big difference in believing in something and doing it.

“That is why we want to qualify on Thursday and take a good performance on Sunday, then look forward to making a big impact at this tournament.”

Then all eyes will be on Russia. With Butland at the ready, Pickford improving and City’s Angus Gunn emerging from the England Under-21s, Hart has every reason to be looking over his shoulder.

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