Southgate throws weight behind Hart

GARETH SOUTHGATE has leapt to Joe Hart’s defence and confirmed the under-fire keeper will continue as England’s No 1. Hart’s position has come under scrutiny, particularly after he was blamed for both of Scotland’s goals in June’s 2-2 draw at Hampden Park. Southgate was said to be open to replacing the Manchester City keeper, currently on loan at West Ham, with Stoke’s Jack Butland for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Malta. ‘His club have had a difficult start to the season but he’s been excellent,’ Southgate said. ‘As a manager, we’ve only conceded the two goals in Scotland in this group so I think he’s rewarded me with the performances I wanted. ‘I don’t think anyone else has had an opportunity yet to stake a strong enough claim to take over. ‘But Joe knows there is competition for places, and that is healthy,’ he added. Southgate insists his decision is not designed to boost Hart’s confidence after his tough start to the season that has seen the Hammers ship 10 goals in three games. ‘There was an opportunity to make a change tomorrow and then change it back, but that would have created more speculation and uncertainty. I told him a couple of days ago he was playing, it’s the right thing to do,’ he said. Southgate will play an attacking line-up, including Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Harry Kane. At the back, Phil Jones, who is set to earn his 22nd cap, claims he has been harshly treated by UEFA after being hit with a fine and a twomatch ban for verbally abusing a doping control officer after Manchester United’s Europa League final victory against Ajax. Jones admitted his language was inappropriate but claimed he did not directly abuse the officer. Asked how he responded to the news of the ban and the €5,000 fine, he said: ‘To be honest I couldn’t believe it. It’s slightly harsh. You see players go in for legbreaking challenges and they get a one-game ban or a two-game ban. I could understand if I didn’t comply with the rules but I did.’