Hart’s international future looking bleak after snub

JOE Hart’s England career lies in tatters after he was left out of the World Cup squad.

The goalkeeper has not even made the standby list having paid the ultimate price for his unconvincing form for West Ham this season.

On paper, it is a bold decision by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, but in reality it illustrates just how far, and quickly, Hart’s stock has fallen.

He has won 75 caps, been England’s first-choice keeper for the past three major tournaments and played in nine of their 10 unbeaten qualifying matches for Russia.

There had been calls for Hart to be taken to Russia for his experience, even if he were now third choice. Southgate, however, has instead chosen Burnley’s Nick Pope alongside Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland of Stoke. In a further snub, Burnley’s Tom Heaton, who has not even played since September, is on standby.

The season-long loan switch to West Ham from Manchester City was meant to cement Hart’s World Cup spot but it had the opposite effect.

He was twice dropped in favour of Adrian, hardly a pillar of reliability himself, after some dreadful errors.

Just last month against Stoke, when Hart spilled a routine shot at the feet of Peter Crouch and bizarrely attempted to kick it clear, he appeared a keeper utterly bereft of confidence.

Hart is level with David Seaman as England’s second most-capped goalkeeper. He has won the Premier League twice, and the Golden Glove award four times.

Former England striker Jermain Defoe has been linked with Rangers.