Hart to sit out Paris showdown

Joe Hart retains the backing of England manager Gareth Southgate but another goalkeeper will get the chance to prove his worth in tomorrow’s season-ending friendly in France.

With Wayne Rooney overlooked for this meetup, 30-year-old Hart is comfortably the most experienced player in the Three Lions squad.

Hart boasts 71 caps but lacks overwhelming outside support, having been caught out in the Euro 2016 matches against Wales and Iceland before letting in two late-free kicks in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Scotland.

Leigh Griffiths’ strikes in Saturday’s 2-2 draw continue to be scrutinised, but Southgate would not criticise Hart, a player whose club future is unclear after returning to Manchester City following a seasonlong loan at Torino.

“I’m sure he’ll be playing at a high level,” Southgate said.

“I think for all of the players, we’ve competition for places, so we want as many people in every position playing at a high level.

“He’s had an important experience going abroad and playing.

“For me, around the camp, all season his contribution has been really high and without his save in Slovenia we’d be worse off in the group as well.

“He’s shown great leadership. I think he’s been much more composed before matches – that’s been a noticeable shift.”