Hart’s still first choice, says Southgate

GARETH SOUTHGATE insists Joe Hart is still England’s first-choice goalkeeper despite his error-strewn performance against Scotland. Hart failed to stop two Leigh Griffiths free-kicks at Hampden Park on Saturday, raising questions over his position as England’s No 1. And the England manager will hand Jack Butland a chance to audition for Hart’s role in tonight’s friendly against France. Burnley keeper Tom Heaton will start at the Stade de France before Stoke’s Butland takes over for the second half. But when asked about the identity of his No 1, Southgate replied: ‘Joe Hart. Next season we don’t know who will be playing at which club, who will be in form. Joe has been excellent for us. The goals on Saturday were the first he’d conceded in qualifying and we owe him for Slovenia. ‘His contribution around the group has been excellent. That said, I don’t want anyone to feel completely comfortable. We want competition for places.’ Butland is Hart’s biggest rival for the position and an impressive display from the 24-year-old would enhance his chances. Butland and Heaton’s roles tonight leave question marks over Fraser Forster’s role in the England squad. The Southampton keeper was one of four selected by Southgate, who said: ‘I’ve spoken to him and of course he’s disappointed. He’s not had the number of matches he’d have liked. It’s difficult. ‘We’ve got these four guys, Jordan Pickford, and a couple of others who come into the equation. I wanted Fraser to be part of this squad. He is close. I can’t make him feel any better other than show him respect and communicate with him.’ Now 31, Heaton will make his first England start tonight, crowning a career that has taken in Manchester United, Swindon, Antwerp, Cardiff, QPR, Rochdale, Wycombe and Bristol City. Heaton said: ‘I have played across all four divisions, but the ambition never left me. ‘That hunger to play for England. It might have felt, for other people, a long way off playing down in League Two, but I never lost belief.’ Harry Kane will again captain the team, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also set to play after his goal from the bench against Scotland. Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard are pushing for recalls, while Ben Gibson and Kieran Trippier are set to make their debuts.