Stan Collymore shares his opinion on West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart’s England future.
Former Liverpool striker-turned-pundit Stan Collymore has praised West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart for his performance in England’s World Cup qualifying game against Slovenia on Thursday.
England won 1-0 against Slovenia, where Hart, who joined the Hammers this summer on loan from Manchester City, made a couple of “very important” saves.
Collymore, however, is skeptical over Hart’s long term international future. He says that he would like to see Jack Butland be given the chance against Lithuania.
The former Aston Villa player also believes that Everton summer signing Jordan Pickford should be given the chance to face either Germany or Brazil next month, with the view of one of them claiming the #1 shirt for England.
He hopes that if either of them go on to enjoy a good World Cup, then one would potentially become England’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
Collymore adds that although Hart is a “good keeper”, and has done well in the qualifying games, his past record in big tournaments is a major concern.
“Joe Hart was excellent on Thursday, making a couple of very important saves, and it stood out that he was willing to take a couple of whacks for the team too,” wrote Collymore in his column for The Sunday People (printed edition; October 8th – page 53).
“But I am happy to see Jack Butland given chances in Lithuania tonight. I’d also like Jordan Pickford to face Germany or Brazil next month with a view to one of them claiming the No.1 jersey for the World Cup.
“Hart is a good keeper but he has done well in qualifying before then made ricks in the last couple of tournaments. If he makes a mistake we’re going to be calling for a replacement anyway so why not take a chance now?”
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