HART BANKS ON WINNING MORE CAPS
JOE HART is closing in on England’s goalkeeping greats – but is still striving to be accepted in the elite club.
Hart will go past World Cup-winning hero Gordon Banks (below, top) when he wins his 74th cap at Wembley tomorrow, and will be just one behind David Seaman (below, bottom). Peter Shilton (below, middle) leads the way with 125 caps.
Hart, 30, who is on loan at West Ham from Manchester City, admits it is “amazing” to be in that company. But he is also determined to improve himself, especially as he is facing new competition for his place as England’s No.1.
Hart said: “To have that many caps is amazing.
“I have often said it was not a dream to play for England because I just loved playing football. To play for England was what other people did and I just loved to support.
“To play for my country is the proudest thing I can do. It is amazing every single time the whistle goes to start the game. I love playing for my country, but the most important thing for me is to do something with that.
“I have qualified for tournaments – that is done. It is not about qualifying any more, it is about trying to be part of that special moment when England do well at a tournament. I want to be part of that.”
Hart first went to a World Cup in 2010, became City’s No.1 and established himself with some brilliant man-of-the-match performances in the Champions League.
But having been forced out of the Etihad, this is a new chapter in his career and he still believes he can be as good as he was five years ago at the peak of his powers with City.
Hart added: “I feel like I am ready and organised for anything that is going on in the game.
“I am still trying to improve. I am trying to save every shot that comes my way.”