West Ham goalkeeper’s World Cup place is in jeopardy.
Joe Hart faces an anxious wait to see if he will make England’s World Cup squad.
The goalkeeper has had a mixed season on loan at West Ham United, selected for just 15 of 30 Premier League games so far.
Hart turns 31 next month and this could be his last chance to go to the World Cup.
Hart did not feature in either of England’s recent friendlies, with manager Gareth Southgate keen to experiment.
Southgate intimated Hart’s role is currently one of a back-up, with Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford currently ahead of him.
He said: “I’ve been really straight with him throughout. I spoke to him three weeks ago before he was back in West Ham’s team and told him he would be in the squad on the basis of what he had done for us before.
“He’s a good leader to have around and he’s understood everything completely. He’s played that [back-up] role really well.”
Hart’s experience stands him in good stead for a spot, but he is not guaranteed to win this role.
Burnley stopper Nick Pope is pushing for inclusion, and his club teammate Tom Heaton is also an outsider to claim a spot.
Hart needs a strong end to the season, but he is far from guaranteed to keep his place at West Ham for the run in.
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