Joe Hart is coming under increasing pressure at West Ham as his form continues to decline.
Joe Hart during West Ham’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Brighton.
David Seaman has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to trust West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart despite a run of bad form that has lead to many questioning his position as England no.1.
Just three clean sheets in nine West Ham appearances, as well as conceding 17 goals in that time, has thrown his stronghold on the goalkeeper’s jersey into doubt.
The likes of Stoke City’s Jack Butland, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Southampton’s Fraser Forster have all shown what they are capable of this season with a number of eye-catching performances.
Jack Butland after the 1-0 win over Lithuania.
However, former Arsenal and England stalwart Seaman told the Daily Mail that Southgate should keep his faith in Hart, because the pressure applied by others will galvanise the Manchester City loanee.
“I would stay with Joe. For me Joe is still England’s number one,” Seaman said. “The level he’s played at for a long time is really good. Now the other guys are getting closer. That will push him.
“I had the same situation when I was with England I knew the other goalkeepers were getting closer, it just made me try and train a little bit harder and try to play better.”
David Seaman during his England days.
Hart, 30, started England’s must-win clash against Slovakia earlier this month and kept a clean sheet during the 1-0 win, but was replaced by Butland just days later to face Lithuania.
England next face Germany on November 10th and Brazil just four days later, and it remains to be seen if Hart can win over his critics before the Three Lions take on some of the world’s best.
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