Joe Hart deserves to go to World Cup 2018 as England’s first-choice goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer has argued.
The shot-stopper has struggled for game time at West Ham, starting his first match since the autumn as the London side crashed to a 3-0 loss against Burnley last weekend, and has come under fire for his level in recent months.
However, Schwarzer still feels that the former Manchester City man is the best option open to manager Gareth Southgate, who has named him in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Netherlands and Italy.
“If Joe Hart plays between now and the end of the season and plays well then there's no decision to be made,” the 2015-16 Premier League winner told 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.”
Hart faces competition from the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope, all of whom will be involved in the squad over the next fortnight.
“The games at the end of the month are going to be crucial for Gareth. 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,” Schwarzer, who won 109 caps for Australia, added.
“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.”
With 75 caps, Hart is easily the most experienced option open to England.
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