HART TO START AFTER FORSTER BLOW
JOE HART looks certain to start England’s opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday after Fraser Forster suffered an arm injury in training.
Forster returned to Southampton for treatment, though sources claim the problem isn’t serious. Hart, who moved to Torino on loan yesterday, had been assured by manager Sam Allardyce that his chances of remaining England No 1 will not be hampered by his move to Italy.
Allardyce has already made plans to ensure he and his staff are fully updated on Hart’s form in Serie A. The new manager will request footage of every match Hart plays and will be provided with statistics linked to each of his performances.
The information will be analysed by Allardyce and his staff, particularly goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, who will also make regular trips to Turin for personal checks on Hart.
The news will come as a relief to Hart who is desperate to retain his position as England’s first-choice keeper.
The 29-year- old held talks with Allardyce at St George’s Park on Monday when the England manager assured Hart that he and his staff will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to keep tabs on his displays.
Meanwhile, Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater says he was philosophical about being axed from the England squad on the eve of Euro 2016. Drinkwater was part of Roy Hodgson’s provisional squad to go to France, but failed to make the final cut.
It was a disappointing end to an amazing season that saw him play a key role in Leicester’s historic title victory. But Drinkwater is back in the international fold having been selected in the squad for the World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on Sunday.
He said: ‘I was obviously disappointed, but football is full of highs and lows and there were enough highs last season, so I can’t complain.
‘Ending the season on a bit of a low might have kicked me back into gear to get going again this season.’
AN ENGLAND women’s youth team player has died after being struck by a train.
British Transport Police confirmed that 18-year-old Zoe Tynan of Fylde Ladies was pronounced dead at West Allerton railway station in Liverpool on Tuesday. They are not treating the death as suspicious. Tynan had previously played for Everton and Manchester City.