Joe Hart deserves to be England’s World Cup goalkeeper, says Mark Schwarzer

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Former Leicester City, Chelsea and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Joe Hart is the obvious choice to be England’s first-choice shot-stopper ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Hart has dropped behind fellow West Ham ‘keeper Adrian behind the sticks this season, making just 15 Premier League starts and having endured a 14-game run where he was left on the bench.

But despite his lack of consistent playing time and a genuine dip in form over recent seasons, Schwarzer believes the the 30-year-old should be named as England’s No.1 for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Holland and Italy in order to build momentum for this summer’s World Cup. NaijaBet.com

“If Joe Hart plays between now and the end of the season and plays well then there’s no decision to be made,” Schwarzer said to Sky Sports.

“Based on his previous performances and the potential good performances between now and the end of the season, he would warrant selection as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“He’s done nothing wrong in my opinion to lose that position. It’s a big if though. There are still quite a few games to go this season but he has to play well. Against Burnley wasn’t the best of starts but he’s got eight games left and he has to perform.” NaijaBet.com

Hart finally was re-introduced to the XI for the recent 3-0 home loss against Burnley, but made the mistake that led to the visitors’ third goal.

“The games at the end of the month are going to be crucial for Gareth,” Schwarzer added. NaijaBet.com

“Reading between the lines and looking at the situation, I think it’s going to be more of a case of him giving Butland and Pickford the chance to stake a claim in those games because they are playing week in, week out.

“He could play one of them in each of the games against Holland and Italy. Joe will be there but Gareth knows what Joe can produce. As to whether he starts at the World Cup or not it will come down to how many games he gets between now and the end of the season.”

Hart vs England’s other ‘keepers

Three other shot-stoppers were named in Gareth Southgate’s side to face Holland and Italy next week. Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Stoke’s Jack Butland and Burnley’s Nick Pope were called up alongside Hart. NaijaBet.com

At 30 years old and having won 75 England caps, Hart is by far the most experienced goalkeeper for the Three Lions’ friendly fixtures.

But experience may be the only positive thing going for Hart. Pickford, Pope and Butland are all 24-25 years old and fresh legs may be just what England need to rejuvenate themselves behind the sticks. NaijaBet.com

Hart’s numbers this season are not great. He has conceded the most goals per 90 compared to the other three – letting in 2.20 goals per 90 – and has made the fewest number of saves (2.27 per 90).

Only Butland has kept fewer clean sheets (0.18 to Hart’s 0.20 per 90), though the Stoke ‘keeper has played significantly more games.