Southgate backing for keeper Hart
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a personal visit to Joe Hart in Turin to stress that the Manchester City goalkeeper is still a key member of the England set-up.
Hart has been on loan at Torino all season after Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.
The new England boss selected Hart for all four of his games when he was in caretaker charge but during the four-month break between internationals Southgate was keen to reassure his senior keeper that his exile in Serie A hasn’t affected his status.
In recent weeks, Southgate has visited a number of Premier League clubs to meet with relevant coaches and players.
This has been alongside his backroom and medical staff, who continue to ensure on-going dialogue with all clubs outside of the international window.
FA sources indicate that Southgate’s meeting with Hart was overwhelmingly positive and the two shared ideas about how England will move forward under new management.
In addition, Southgate has been closely monitoring Hart’s performances for Torino.
Southgate is planning for this month’s friendly in Germany and the next World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. He will announce his squad on March 16 and Hart will be his No.1 keeper.
“It’s been an interesting few months since my appointment and it’s fair to say I’ve been kept busy during that time,” Southgate says.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with our own support team looking at delivering the next camp, what we want, in terms of a culture and how we work together as a group and staff.
“More recently, I’ve been travelling to some of the clubs to start to see the players and their coaches and that will continue.”
Southgate will be at the West Ham v Chelsea to check on the form of Gary Cahill and, if he’s fit, Andy Carroll.