Hart broken over World Cup snub

LONDON: Former England first choice goalkeeper Joe Hart admitted he is finding it hard to accept being omitted from the England World Cup squad by Gareth Southgate.

The 31-year-old — England’s number one goalkeeper at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals — has suffered a dramatic fall from grace since Pep Guardiola sent him out on loan once he became Manchester City manager in 2016. Hart’s case for selection amongst the three goalkeepers to go to Russia had not been enhanced by inconsistent form at Premier League strugglers West Ham, whom he joined after a season in Serie A with Torino.

The 75-times capped stopper — only Peter Shilton with 125 has won more caps in goal for England — lost out to uncapped Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and relegated Stoke City’s Jack Butland. “Not going to lie, I’m gutted,” Hart wrote on Instagram alongside an image of the England crest.

Hart said he was proud of the significant role he had played in England securing their passage to Russia.He played in nine of England’s 10 qualifiers, captaining the side at home to Lithuania and producing a man-of-the-match display in Slovenia to sneak a 0-0 draw in Southgate’s first match on the road.

Hart’s disappointment at missing out was echoed by Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who Southgate said was not selected as others had shown stronger form in the latter part of the season.