QUALIFIERS It’s time for
THE BLOOD and thunder expected from a Scotland-England game came very late. When it did, it left Gareth Southgate with as many questions to ponder as problems solved.
England salvaged a World Cup qualifying point at Hampden Park through Harry Kane’s injury-time equaliser, after leading and then finding themselves 2-1 down and on the very brink of an embarrassing, historic defeat. This was a close shave that should never have been – England’s razor was clearly blunted by endof-season weariness.
An ordinary Scotland side had been allowed to haul themselves off the floor thanks to two Leigh Griffiths’ free-kicks that underlined one of the major problems Southgate must solve.
Joe Hart has had a wretched year. Shown the door by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he spent an error-ridden loan spell at GUARDIOLA: Sale AT HAMPDEN PARK honestly about his position afterwards. But Southgate needs to bite the bullet on this issue.
Celtic striker Griffiths, who in a lone front role had given England’s defence far too many problems, bent the first free-kick into the left corner but well inside the post and Hart’s positioning looked suspect. The second, three minutes later, went in the other corner but if anything was even more reachable.
Southgate defended his man, saying: “Joe’s contribution has been high. He has shown great leadership and much more composure before matches. The goals were two moments of quality, but we will look at them.”
Hart is now 30 years old, and has won 70 caps but his manager added: “Composure is an area he felt he needed to develop and there is no question he has.
“We don’t need people to put their hands up. We win or lose as a team and the character of the team is the most important thing. I am sure Joe will be playing at a high level at club level.
“He has had an important experience abroad. We need competition. We cannot rely on one or two players.
“The challenge is to see games like that out. That highlighted an area we have to get better at. We have to make good decisions when teams come at us.
“It is a technical and a character issue. It is decision-making under pressure, calmness and focus across the board.”
Hart said of the Griffiths goals: “As a goalkeeper, you set your wall up, but sometimes there’s nothing you can do. He’s produced two bits of quality.
“You’ve got to say well done sometimes. It’s a free shot from 25 yards. Unfortunately his training has paid off. I’ve seen it again and we would have